What does the registration number on a pesticide label signify?

The registration number on a pesticide label signifies that the product is registered and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This registration indicates that the product has undergone thorough evaluation by the EPA to ensure it meets specific standards for safety and efficacy when used according to label directions. This process assesses both human health and environmental impacts, granting consumers and applicators confidence that the pesticide can be used safely.

Registration does not imply that the product has been evaluated solely for safety, nor is it an approval from local agricultural departments, which may have their own regulations and requirements separate from the federal registration process. Additionally, while the effectiveness of the pesticide is a component of the evaluation process, the registration number itself primarily represents federal approval rather than serving as a direct measure of effectiveness.