Clearing the Chlorpyrifos Confusion

New Regulations for Chlorpyrifos: What’s Changing for Crop Labels and EPA-Registered Products

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has imposed new regulations regarding the use of chlorpyrifos, an insecticide widely used in agriculture. These regulatory changes, which will take effect in June 2025, aim to limit exposure to this chemical, particularly for agricultural workers and surrounding communities. This article outlines the upcoming changes, including which crop labels will expire and which products will be registered for use after June 30, 2025.

Expiring Crop Labels: What’s Going Away

As of June 30, 2025, several crop labels for chlorpyrifos will be discontinued. These include labels for crops that have been identified by EPA as having too much potential risk from exposure to the pesticide. EPA has been evaluating chlorpyrifos for years, considering its potential risks to human health, particularly for vulnerable populations like children. With increasing evidence of its harmful effects, the agency decided to revoke its approval for certain food tolerances or uses of the chemical.

Crops that will no longer be labeled for the use of chlorpyrifos after June 30, 2025, include those that will affect South Dakota producers such as sunflowers and corn.
EPA’s decision stems from the increasing pressure to reduce pesticide residues in food products, as well as the potential dangers to farm workers and local communities when exposed to this chemical. These crops, in particular, have been identified as areas with high risks of exposure, prompting EPA to eliminate their use.

Crops with Continued Labeling: What Will Be Permitted

While many crop labels for chlorpyrifos will expire, certain crops will still be able to use the pesticide after June 30, 2025. These crops have been deemed to carry less risk of exposure or have more controlled usage practices in place. As a result, farmers growing the following crops will be able to continue using products containing chlorpyrifos under EPA-approved labels in South Dakota: alfalfa, soybean, spring wheat, and winter wheat.

For these crops, chlorpyrifos will still be available for use, but only under strict guidelines to minimize environmental and health risks. This may include restrictions on the amount of pesticide that can be applied, as well as specific instructions on handling, application timing, and protective measures for workers.

EPA-Registered Products After June 30, 2025

After the expiration of crop labels in June 2025, the EPA will continue to oversee the registration of specific chlorpyrifos-containing products, though with revised restrictions. These new product registrations will reflect the agency's commitment to reducing harmful exposure while allowing the continued use of chlorpyrifos where it is deemed necessary for effective pest control.

Products that remain registered by the EPA after June 30, 2025, will primarily be limited to use on the crops that retain their labeling and food tolerances for the 11 crops of alfalfa, apple, asparagus, cherry, citrus, cotton, peach, soybean, strawberry, sugar beet, and winter and spring wheat. These products are continuing registration and will be available after June 30, 2025, are Drexel Chlorpyrifos 15G (EPA reg. 19713-505), Drexel Chlorpyrifos 4E-AG (19173-520), Drexel Chlorpyrifos 15GR (19713-521), Drexel Chlorpyrifos 4E-AG2 (19713-599), Drexel Lambdafos Insecticide (19173-671), Gharda Pilot 4E Chlorpyrifos Agriculture Insecticide (93182-7), Gharda Pilot 15G Chlorpyrifos Agricultural Insecticide (93182-8), Loveland Warhawk (34704-857), Loveland Warhawk Clearform (34704-1077) and Loveland Match-up insecticide (34-704-1086).

If a product that you may use is not on the list, please refer to the link below for a list of products that have an existing stocks order and may be sold and distributed until April 30, 2025, and for which any existing stock may not be used on food after June 30, 2025.

Importantly, these new registrations will come with mandatory safeguards to protect both human health and the environment. This will likely include additional buffer zones around sensitive areas (such as schools and water bodies), personal protective equipment requirements for workers, and updated guidelines on spray drift management.

Conclusion

The new regulation on chlorpyrifos reflects the EPA’s ongoing efforts to reduce the risks associated with chemical pesticides while balancing the needs of the agricultural industry. While some crops will no longer be able to use chlorpyrifos, others will continue to do so, with stricter safety and environmental regulations.

As the deadline approaches, growers will have to adapt to these new rules, ensuring they comply with updated pesticide usage guidelines. This will require careful planning, especially for those relying on chlorpyrifos for pest control on high-risk crops. Updates on products that are currently going through an existing stocks provision until June 30, 2025, and for products that will be registered with new label restrictions refer to https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/frequently-asked-questions-about-current-status-chlorpyrifos