1 December 2025
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has advised that it’s final regulatory decision on paraquat and diquat, expected prior to the end of 2025, will now be handed down in mid-2026.
Despite the ongoing uncertainty around future use of paraquat and diquat products in vineyards, the AWRI currently expects them to remain in next season’s, 2026/27 edition of Agrochemicals registered for use in Australian viticulture, commonly known as the ‘Dog book’.
The APVMA initially deferred their final regulatory decision citing “a high volume of submissions from the public consultation process”; however, on 26 November 2025, reasoned the latest deferral following a release by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) of an updated review in which it concluded that there is greater uncertainty regarding the potential for paraquat to volatilise than previously considered.
The APVMA is currently reviewing its assessments of the volatility of paraquat in line with the US EPA’s concerns.
The AWRI will continue to keep industry informed of any further changes to the above timeline and of the final regulatory result and implications for industry.
Related AWRI eBulletins
- 29 April 2025: Agrochemical update − Delays to regulatory decisions on agrochemical use
- 6 September 2024: Agrochemical update − Paraquat and diquat herbicides under review by the APVMA
Contact
AWRI helpdesk phone: 08 8313 6600 (option 1)
Email: helpdesk@awri.com.au
Acknowledgements
This eBulletin is supported by Wine Australia with levies from Australia’s grapegrowers and winemakers and matching funds from the Australian Government. AWRI is a member of the Wine Innovation Cluster in Adelaide, SA.
