The achievements of this project can be categorized into four main areas of work: regulatory revision, preliminary review of permit applications, inspection counseling, and multiple advocacies. The results of each work area were as follows:
Regulatory Revision: The project in this area was analyzed other domestic regulations and international management systems related to the Environmental Agents Control Act, Working Standards for Environmental Agent Permit Application and Issuance, and Fee Collection Standards for Environmental Agents Permission Applications and Testing. The draft regulatory amendments were proposed to aimed at addressing various issues. These included topics such as the advertising management of environmental agents, the scope of environmental agent management, the management of exemptions from permit applications, environmental agent vendor or pest control operator permit management. The proposal also involved regulating joint management responsibilities of online platform operators and adjusting qualifications for advertising publication. To enhance the efficiency of environmental pesticide management, it was proposed to add regulations related to exempted permit management, restrictions on usage, and to extend the duration of permits. Regarding the Working Standards for Environmental Agent Permit Application and Issuance, it was proposed to amend the regulations pertaining to the attachment of toxicity texting report. This was to encourage the application for environmental agent permits using natural material components, thereby increasing the diversity of available pesticides. It was proposed to develop enhanced management measures for neonicotinoids, including the inclusion of warning labels and the strengthening of regulations regarding the usage methods or application areas for certain environmental agent formulations.
Preliminary Review of Permit Applications: The project in this area was assisted the Chemicals Administration (CHA) by conducting preliminary reviews of permit applications, gathering and organizing data for expert consultation meetings, and providing support to individuals or industry representatives. This assistance contributed to reducing the administrative workload within the CHA and aligning with the objective of expediting administrative operations.
Inspection Counseling: The project was assisted the CHA in conducting on-site inspections and offering guidance for 10 training organizations for pest control operators commissioned in December 2022 and to institutions designated for environmental agent efficacy (effectiveness) testing in 2024. This involved gaining an understanding of the operation of these training organizations and environmental agent efficacy (effectiveness) testing organizations (institutions).
Multiple Advocacies: Using various media, including radio, newspapers, and emerging online platforms such as LINE and Podcasts, the project was aimed to expand the audience for environmental agent-related advertisements. Additionally, the project was conducted promotional activities to reinforce public awareness of safe household pesticide usage and legal regulations, thus preventing unintentional violations due to lack of knowledge of the regulations.
By adjusting administrative measures and legal regulations related to environmental agents, assisting in the review of environmental agent permit applications, and providing professional advisory services, the goal of the plan was to expedite administrative operations and strengthen the management of environmental agents.
