Minimum Risk Pesticide: Definition and Product Confirmation

• What is a minimum risk pesticide?
• Will EPA confirm that my product is a minimum risk pesticide?
• For more information

What is a minimum risk pesticide?

Because EPA has determined that certain "minimum risk pesticides" pose little to no risk to human health or the environment, EPA has exempted them from the requirement that they be registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. This exemption provision is located in 40 CFR 152.25(f).

Pesticides are used to control various pests, such as mosquitoes, ticks, rats and mice. Pesticides are also used in agriculture to control weeds, insect infestation and diseases. There are many different types of pesticides; each is meant to be effective against specific pests.

Starting in 1996, we exempted such products to reduce the cost and regulatory burdens on businesses and the public for pesticides posing little or no risk, and to focus our resources on pesticides that pose greater risk to humans and the environment. 

• Learn about minimum risk pesticide criteria. 
• View lists of active ingredients and inert ingredients allowed in minimum risk pesticides.

Will EPA confirm that my product is a minimum risk pesticide?

Generally, we do not review products that claim to meet the criteria set by 40 CFR 152.25(f) for exemption from pesticide regulation for companies planning to market such a product. We also do not provide a label review of such products. The producer is responsible to carefully read the criteria and make an evaluation of how the product meets (or does not meet) the criteria. 

If a product does not meet all of the exemption criteria, the product is not exempt from FIFRA regulation under 40 CFR 152.25(f), and sale or distribution of the product without registration may be a violation of FIFRA unless it is otherwise exempt from registration requirements. In these cases, the producer should contact EPA to seek a registration for the product. For the possible consequences of a violation of FIFRA, refer to the section on Enforcement Related to Minimum Risk Pesticides.

For More Information

We can answer questions, or provide additional information. Contact EPA about minimum risk pesticides.