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Web-Distributed Labeling Workgroup

August 2008

For more information, contact Michelle Devaux (devaux.michelle@epa.gov).

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Meetings

Objective

The workgroup will provide advice regarding a process to ensure that the most current version of pesticide labeling is available to purchasers and users electronically.

Background

Some current labeling problems exist due to a number of factors, including multiple goals for labeling; a paper-based submission, review and distribution system; product-by-product reviews by varying individual reviewers; changing standards of acceptability; resource constraints; and delay in getting new labels out to the public. These factors and others have made labeling complex and difficult to navigate for the public, users, states, registrants and other partners. Through stakeholder engagement, and internal and external review processes, EPA has developed a three-pronged approach to address these issues: electronic submission and review, systematic improvement of content, and electronic dissemination of labeling. OPP's vision is to supply a streamlined system in which registrants will be able to submit product labeling electronically, OPP will process the labeling internally using electronic means, and end-users will retrieve labeling via the Internet.

The last part of OPP’s projected process is to make the most current version of pesticide labeling available to purchasers and users electronically. To better define this issue, an EPA workgroup has been formed. Members of this group have met with stakeholders and have drafted several issue papers, in order to capture as many perspectives as possible and to outline legal and policy issues to be considered before developing a proposal to implement webdistribution of labeling.

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Workgroup Activities

The Workgroup on Web-Distributed Labeling will advise the US EPA through the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee on a process to ensure the most current version of pesticide labeling is available to purchasers and users electronically. The workgroup will provide feedback on documents, provide input based on expert experience, and ultimately present its recommendations to the full Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee. The areas for consideration are categorized as follows:

  1. What products should be eligible for a Web-distributed labeling program?
  2. What content should be on the Web site vs. the container?
  3. How should outreach and education be conducted to inform stakeholders (e.g. users, dealers, registrants, educators) about implementation of web-distributed labeling?
  4. What functionalities are necessary for the Web-distributed labeling Web site?
  5. Who should host the Web site for Web-distribution of labeling?
  6. How will Web-distributed labeling be delivered to users without internet access?
  7. Should a downloaded version of labeling have a life span and how long should it be effective?
  8. What are the goals of a Web-distribution of labeling program and how will they be assessed?

Process

When convened, the PPDC workgroup will receive a briefing on the basic issues involved with web-distribution of pesticide labeling. This will be followed by an initial discussion of the issues and an outline of the course of work. After the initial meeting, the workgroup will receive documents developed by the EPA workgroup for consideration and comment. If necessary, the PPDC workgroup may have conference calls to further discuss the documents. The PPDC workgroup will meet in person again to finalize its recommendations and to prepare to present to the full Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee.

Tentative Workgroup Schedule

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Workgroup Members

User/Grower Groups

Environmental / Public Interest Groups

Chemical Industry/ Trade Associations

Chemical Industry/ Trade Associations - Consumer Product Focus

Biopesticide Industry

State/Local/Tribal Government

Education/Public Foundation/Other

Federal Agencies

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