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What are the federal, state and tribal roles in registering disinfectants?

Disinfectants are considered pesticides because they are intended to kill pests, specifically microorganisms including pathogens, and therefore must be registered by EPA. EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs registers pesticides at the national level under the authority granted by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).

US state and tribal governments have the authority within their jurisdictions to further regulate the sale and use of pesticides at a more restrictive level than that which was approved of at the federal level. This is done by each state’s pesticide regulatory authority. These authorities, to the extent that they exist, are often part of the State Department of Agriculture, but may also be part of other state offices such as the Department of Environmental Protection. Currently, there are no tribes that register products for use in Indian country.

Return to Frequent Questions from State, Local and Tribal Leaders about Coronavirus (COVID-19).