Structural Pest Control and Pesticides - Paraquat Requirements
New labeling of paraquat products requires that any person, prior to using paraquat, must be a licensed or certified NCDA&CS pesticide applicator and must successfully complete the new paraquat training. An applicator can no longer apply paraquat under the supervision of someone else’s license.
Trade names of paraquat dichloride (“paraquat”) include but are not limited to the following:
- Gramoxone
- Para-SHOT
- Parazone
- Quick-Quat
- Firestorm
- Helmquat
Newly labeled paraquat products will include an additional statement below the ‘Restricted Use Pesticide’ statement at the top of the label. For example,
The online training can be accessed through the “How to Safely Use and Handle Paraquat-Containing Pesticides” Paraquat Training Module developed by the National Pesticide Safety Education Center (NPSEC).
Training can also be completed in-person through NCSU Cooperative Extension Agency and other participating entities. In person training through Cooperative Extension will be scheduled on a county-by-county basis. Please contact your local NCSU Cooperative Extension Agent for more information.
If you are interested in hosting an in person paraquat training, please email the Pesticide Section, Licensing & Certification Unit or call (984) 236-4575.
Spanish versions (Mexican Spanish and Puerto Rican Spanish) of the online and in-person training will be available soon.
Paraquat training must be completed individually. Applicators must receive a 100% on the final assessment to obtain a completion certificate. Individuals that complete the online training must print out a copy of their completion certificate for their records. Individuals that attend the in-person training will receive a paper copy of their completion certificate for their records. The training must be retaken every three years.
Paraquat training is not required to purchase paraquat products but is mandatory for all paraquat use activities. “Use” includes mixing and loading the pesticide; applying the pesticide; and other pesticide-related activities, such as transporting or storing opened pesticide containers, cleaning equipment, and disposing of excess pesticides, pesticide containers, and other paraquat-containing materials. Noncertified persons working under the supervision of a certified applicator are prohibited from using paraquat including any of the “use” activities mentioned above.
EPA is allowing the sale of paraquat that is already in the channels of trade. Some paraquat available for purchase may not have the new requirements on the label.
Growers with existing stock of paraquat products with the previously approved labeling can use the product according to its label, i.e. without completing the new training course and under the supervision of a certified or licensed applicator. However, once the grower is in possession of products with the new paraquat label, the new label requirements will apply to all existing stock of paraquat.
For questions or if additional assistance is required, please contact the NCDA&CS Pesticide Section at 984-236-4575. Directions
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