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AgVetLink June 2005

Update of Own Use Standard

The ACVM Group has updated the ACVM Standard for Own Use of Agricultural Compounds (59 ACVM 06/04) to include the changes in Schedule 1 of the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) Regulations 2001.

Code of practice required

The exemption for own use of agricultural compounds in Schedule 1 of those Regulations has been amended to include a restriction on the use of certain compounds unless there is a specific code of practice approved under section 28 of the ACVM Act. These compounds are:

1.  active ingredients that are prescription medicines or restricted medicines (as those terms are defined in the Medicines Act 1981)

2.  antibiotic active ingredients

3.  hormones

4.  substances that are prohibited by countries importing New Zealand primary produce*

5.  vertebrate toxic agents.

*   Substances prohibited by countries importing New Zealand primary produce change from time to time. A definitive list is available on the ACVM Group website.

For most compounds there is no need to have a specific code of practice approved and the ACVM Standard for Own Use is the minimum requirement. However, for the compounds listed above, a specific code of practice must be approved before they may be used under the own use exemption from registration in Schedule 1. The code of practice must include more operational detail that specifically relates to the compound to be used and addresses matters such as:

• how use will be restricted to use only on their animals or plants while on their own land or body of water on their own property;

• how the compound is to be stored, prepared, administered or applied, and disposed of in a manner that does not expose themselves or other persons, stock or crops, or the environment in general to unnecessary hazards;

• what steps are to be taken to protect the welfare of any animals that may come into contact with the compound and mitigate any pain or distress caused by the exposure;

• if relevant, how third parties likely to be affected by any hazards to themselves or their property are to be advised of intended use;

• where necessary, how officials are to be advised of the use, and the time and place of administration or application;

• what records are to be kept to show that due consideration was made of the matters above, and due care was taken to comply with them; and

• how subordinate persons or employees are to be trained and provided with whatever is needed to carry out the instructions safely.

Standard for Codes of Practice

The ACVM Group has published a Standard for Codes of Practice that can be used as guidance in preparing a code of practice for approval under section 28.  The application to get approval does not have to take any particular form. It can be a simple covering letter to the ACVM Group.

 To save time it is suggested that anyone contemplating lodging a code of practice for approval contact the ACVM Group for advice to make sure the code is no more complex or onerous than is necessary. For information on codes of practice contact:

 Brian Pidford
Programme Manager (Verification)
ACVM Group
Email: brian.pidford@nzfsa.govt.nz