Pesticide Program

Pesticides in the CNMI. Only pesticides and pesticide devices actively registered by the US Environmental Protection Agency allowed for use, sale, import, or distribution in the CNMI.

View the pesticide registration status on any one of these US EPA approved databases:

Disinfectant Products for use against Viruses

The US Environmental Protection Agency has provided a that includes products that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19.

When purchasing a product, check if its EPA registration number is included on this list. If it is, you have a match and the product can be used against SARS-CoV-2. You can find this number on the product label – just look for the EPA Reg. No. These products may be marketed and sold under different brand names, but if they have the same EPA registration number, they are the same product.

This list includes products with emerging viral pathogen claims and those with human coronavirus claims. The list is searchable and available online at https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

Pesticide Use

**Applications are available on this webpage. Click on the document titles with hyperlinks to access resources**

Pesticide Applicator Worker Protection Standard

§ 65-70-340 Worker Protection Standards - Applicability & Scope: The CNMI Worker Protection Standard requirements were created to provide agricultural and certain other workers and pesticide handlers with protections against possible exposure and harm from pesticides in the workplace. CNMI Worker Protection Standards apply to any agricultural establishment, and any commercial application of pesticides.

  1. All agricultural establishments (farms, forest, nursery, or greenhouse) must follow the federal Worker Protection Standards at 40 C.F.R. Part 170 as published in the Federal Register at 80 FR 67495.
  2. General requirements for commercial applicators. Under the provisions of the CNMI Worker Protection Standard, employers are required to do the following:
    1. Display at a central location where it can be readily be seen and read by workers in a language they understand specific information about pesticide safety, emergency procedures, and recent pesticide applications
    2. Supply pesticide safety training for workers as described at 40 C.F.R. 170.130 and for handlers as described at 40 C.F.R. Part 170.230
    3. Provide assistance in getting medical treatment in case of work-related pesticide illness or injury
    4. Comply with restricted-entry intervals found on the label. These are the times immediately after pesticide applications when workers may not enter treated areas
    5. Notify workers through oral or by posted warnings in a manner they understand about areas where pesticide applications are taking place and areas where restricted-entry intervals are in effect
    6. Ensure that only trained, properly equipped pesticide handlers enter or remain in the treated area during a pesticide application
    7. Provide decontamination sites for workers and handlers to wash pesticides residues off their hands and bodies. Decontamination sites must include enough water for routine washing and emergency eye flushing plus sufficient quantities of soap and single-use towels
    8. Provide and maintain any appropriate personal protective equipment and ensure it is stored correctly, away from pesticides and other dangerous chemicals, used correctly for its intended purpose, and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and label directions. Personal protective equipment includes but is not limited to:
      • Coveralls a loose-fitting one or two piece garment that covers, at a minimum, the entire body except head, hands, and feet; that is made of a cotton or a cotton polyester blend fabric; and are not chemical-resistant. The pesticide product labeling may specify that the coveralls be worn over a layer of clothing. If a chemical-resistant suit is substituted for coveralls, it need not be worn over a layer of clothing;
      • Chemical-resistant suits - a loose-fitting one or two piece chemical-resistant garment that covers, at a minimum, the entire body except head, hands, and feet;
      • Chemical-resistant gloves - gloves that are made of chemical-resistant material;
      • Chemical-resistant footwear - shoes, boots, or coverings for shoes or boots, that are made of chemical-resistant material. If chemical resistant footwear with sufficient durability and a tread appropriate for wear in rough terrain is not obtainable for workers, then leather boots may be worn in such terrain;
      • Chemical-resistant aprons - an apron that is made of chemical-resistant material and that covers the front of the body from mid-chest to the knees.
      • Chemical-resistant headgear - hood or hat with wide brim, that is made of chemical-resistant material;
      • Protective eye wear - goggles; face shield; safety glasses with front, brow, and temple protection; or a full-face respirator; and
      • Respirators - a device that protects the respiratory system and is either the type listed on the pesticide label or more protective, and must be appropriate for the pesticide product being used and for the activity being performed
    9. Instruct all handlers and workers in the correct use of personal protective equipment
    10. Instruct all handlers in the correct use of application equipment
    11. Must assure that all handlers understand all label requirements
    12. Must assure that any pesticide handler who is mixing, loading, applying, or otherwise handling any pesticide bearing a skull and crossbones symbol on the label is monitored visually or by voice communication every hour
    13. Implement other requirements as instituted by the DEQ Director

Central Display of "Right to know" Information on pesticide safety, emergency procedures, and recent pesticide applications must be displayed in a location where it can be readliy seen and read by workers in a language they understand.

Below are links to downloadable and printable safety posters and the WPS standards posters:

Pesticide Safety Training for workers and handlers must be provided by their employer annually.

Below are links to worker protection materials and training resources:

  • Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative: WPS Compliance Assistance Library - PERC

    PERC is the Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative, a 5-year cooperative agreement between the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs and University of California Davis Extension, in collaboration with Oregon State University. The materials produced by PERC are intended for use by non-profit educators. Anyone may print and distribute PERC materials at minimal or no cost to the end-recipients.

  • National Pesticide Safety Education Center: Pesticide Safety - NPSEC

    The National Pesticide Safety Education Center (NPSEC) supports and serves extension Pesticide Safety Education Programs (PSEPs) to be the premier national source of high quality research-based pesticide safety education.

  • Ag Safe Food & Farms - Ag Safe
  • The mission of AgSafe is to provide practical health and safety education to the agricultural community. Since 1991 we have trained over 75,000 employers, supervisors and farm workers in the most critical issues impacting worker safety, human resources, pesticide safety and food safety. We have a “boots on the ground” approach to these topics, teaching both the “why” and “how” to protect workers in the field, as well as packing, processing and food manufacturing facilities.


Pesticide Applicator Certification

§ 65-70-405 Required Certification: (a) Any person who uses or supervises the use of any pesticide for commercial purposes (b) Any person who uses, sells, or distributes restricted use pesticides; must obtain a certification from DEQ.

To be certified in the CNMI as a Pesticide Applicator an individual must take the BECQ Pesticide Applicator Exam. It is the responsibility of the student to study the National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual and the CNMI Pesticides Regulations.

  • SAIPAN Scheduled on the 2nd Monday of each month at 9am-11am at the BECQ conference room.
  • TINIAN & ROTA Scheduled as requested. To be scheduled with the designated BECQ personnel for each island.

All certifications shall be valid for a period of three years from the date of issuance unless earlier suspended or revoked by the Director.

I. Pesticide Applicator Examination Registration = $10 Non Refundable Exam Fee

Submit an Examination Application for Pesticide Certification Examination.

  • Each exam is a written, closed-book/notes examination consisting of sixty (60) multiple choice questions
  • The passing exam score is 70% which is equivalent to 42 correct answers out of 60 questions.
  • The exam administration time limit 2 hours total.
  • Each candidate must bring a writing utensil, a calculator, and a valid identification.
  • Individuals must register at least 3 working days prior to the scheduled examination date.
  • Those who submit incomplete registration forms OR do not pay a registration fee will not be allowed to take the exam.

Examination includes but is not limited to: labeling; safety factors; environmental consequences; pest identification and characteristics; pesticide types, formulations and dilutions; equipment maintenance and calibration; proper storage, use, and disposal of pesticides and containers; pesticide application techniques; pesticide laws and regulations; recordkeeping; worker protection standards; and other relevant information as deemed necessary, including but not limited to new developments and other pertinent matters.

II. Pesticide Applicator Certification Commercial = $50 Non Refundable Fee / Private = $10 Non Refundable Fee

Submit a Certification Application along with the appropriate fee for the certification category. Certifications are valid for a period of three (3) years. All renewal for certification requires a re-take of the examination with the same procedures and payments. See applications for more details.

Commercial Applicator Categories

  • Agricultural Pest Control
  • Ornamental and turf pest control
  • Right-of-way pest control
  • Industrial, institutional, structural and health related pest control
  • Public health pest control
  • Regulatory pest control

Private Applicator:

  • Any person who uses or supervises the use of any restricted use pesticide on property owned or rented by him, who is not a commercial applicator.

Duplicate Certification for Commercial or Private = $10 Non Refundable Fee

  • Applicator previously certified who has misplaced or lost his or her valid DEQ issued Certification for Applicator of Restricted Pesticide.

Temporary Certification for Commercial or Private = $10 Non Refundable Fee

  • Applicator who holds a valid pesticide applicator's certificate issued in another state or territory of the United States having an approved state plan. Temporary certification is limited to the same type and category of pesticide use for which the applicant is certified.

III. Pesticide Applicator Certification Renewal.

There are two (2) options to renew your pesticide applicator certification.

  1. Pass another BECQ pesticide applicator examination: To ensure the ability to meet the requirements of changing technology and to assure a continuing level of competency and ability to use pesticides safely and properly. Follow procedures for pesticide applicator examination registration above; or
  2. Complete the required Continuing Education Units (CEUs): courses taken must be similar or relevant to YOUR certification category and offered by a U.S.A. state or territory. The CEUs must be taken during the three (3) year certification period and courses must be in the relevant certification category as the certification renewal.

The CNMI does not have a CEU provider at this time, to avail of this recertification option the applicant must seek online or other means of completing the required CEU hours. Below is a list of available online CEU provider(s). Note: these providers are stated here for your reference and by no means are you required to obtain CEUs from the sites listed here.


Pesticide Use Permit

Individuals or companies that will perform structural termiticide/fumigation treatment, aerial treatment, or other treatment in a remote location must obtain a DEQ Pesticide Use Permit.

Follow any additional restrictions or requirements included in a permit issued by DEQ.

  1. Submit permit application and required attachments.
  2. The request for a permit must be submitted to DEQ at least twenty business days prior to the proposed date of application.
  3. Upon receipt of the permit application, DEQ has up to ten business days to process the permit.
  4. The permit is valid for 6 months after the date of issuance.
  5. Notify DEQ in writing prior to any pesticide treatment made under the approval pesticide use permit.

Permit for Structural Treatment = $50 Non Refuanable Fee

For all pre or post contruction treatment of structures to be treated for termites in the foundation, soil, or surrounding ground area.

  • Submit Structural Permit Application along with appropriate permit fee for review and approval. See application for requirements and restrictions.

DEQ does not approve the use of active ingredient Imidacloprod (also known as Premise 75 or Agreszor 75) and Fipronil (also known as Termidor SC) near shorelines, groundwater wells and any other body of water within a 300 feet radius from the project site.

Permit for Fumigation Treatment = $50 Non Refundable Fee

Fumigation treatments are the use of vapor or gas in order to suffocate, kill, or mitigate pests. A fumigant is any pesticide that is a vapor or gas or forms a product that is vapor or gas on application and whole method of pesticidal action is through the gaseous state.

  • Submit Fumigation Permit Application along with appropriate permit fee for review and approval. See application for requirements and restrictions.

Permit for AerialTreatment = $500 Non Refundable Fee

Aerial pesticide applications are granted on a case by case basis and are restricted to applications sites that are 150 acres or larger. Any person intending to apply pesticides by aircraft must have a valid aerial pesticide application license (pilot license to apply pesticides aerially) from any state or territory of the United States. The aircraft used for aerial application must be in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration rules and regulations.

  • Submit Aerial Permit Application along with appropriate permit fee for review and approval. See application for requirements and restrictions.
  • Every possible effort should be made to control pesticide drift during aerial pesticide applications.

The DEQ director may refuse to issue an aerial application permit if it is determined that the proposed aerial pesticide application threatens to cause or causes unreasonable adverse effects to human health or the environment.

Pesticide Use Permit for Other Treatment = $50 Non Refundable Fee

For areas where DEQ is not able to conduct routine inspections where restricted use pesticides or general use pesticides are regularly applied, such as in remote locations ie. CNMI Northern Islands.


Pesticide Dealers License

Any person who engages in the importation, sale, or distribution of restricted use pesticides shall be classified as a licensed dealer and shall be certified in the same manner as a commercial applicator.

Pesticide Dealer License Registration = $10 Non Refundable Fee

Submit an Pesticide Dealer Application See application for requirements and details.

Licensed dealers shall demonstrate additional competence and knowledge regarding but not including but not limited to the following:

  • Pesticide legislation, regulations, and guidelines
  • Safety and toxicology
  • Disposal, Storage, and transportation
  • Effects on animals, plants, and environment; fish and wildlife
  • Factors affecting pesticide applications
  • Classification and formulations of insecticides
  • Fungicides, herbicides, and other pesticides and their uses
  • Recommendations for use of pesticides
  • Poisoning symptoms and procedures to follow in case of a pesticide accident

BECQ Division of Environmental Quality regulates the use of pesticide in the islands of the Commonwealth. It shall be unlawful for any person: to use any pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its labeling; to use, store, transport, mix or discard any pesticide or the containers of such pesticide in such a way as to pose a hazard to human health or the environment; apply restricted use pesticides unless certified by DEQ or under the direct supervision of an applicator certified by DEQ; apply pesticides for commercial purposes unless acting under the supervision of a certified applicator; To violate these regulations in any way including but not limited to violating requirements regarding storage, use, record keeping, and worker’s protection whether set forth in these regulations, the label, a permit, an order or a certification; To manufacture or otherwise produce pesticides, including re-packaging, refilling, or relabeling, for sale or resale, in the CNMI.

DEQ may, at its discretion, based on factors such as acreage, types of pesticides, volume of pesticides, location, and geological features, including proximity to surface water and drinking water, require the submission of an integrated pest management plan for DEQ’s approval. The integrated pest management plan is an approach to manage pests by combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks. DEQ may prescribe the forms for the submission of the plan. The plan must be approved by DEQ prior to pesticide use. The plan must be revised and resubmitted once every two years for DEQ’s approval. Applicator is required to follow the approved plan and deviations must be approved by DEQ in advance. Failure to follow the plan shall be considered a violation of the CNMI Pesticide regulations.

Importing Pesticides

**Applications are available on this webpage. Click on the document titles with hyperlinks to access resources**

Pesticide Shipments that Require Advance Notice

  • Any restricted use pesticide (RUP) from any country into the CNMI.
  • Any pesticide or pesticide device manufactured in or shipped by or through a foreign country.
  • Any termiticide, including those used for crack, crevice, and spot treatment.
  • Any pesticide used to control pests on fruit and/or vegetable crops or other agricultural products.
  • Pesticides used for fumigation, hospital grade disinfection, and commercial purposes.

Note: Notices are not required for establishments that may be imported are Calcium Hypochlorite, Trichloro-S-Trianzinetrione, Sodium Bromide, Sodium Hypochlorite and related items; household disinfectants and anti-bacterial chemicals (such as Clorox bleach, 409, Pine Sol, etc.) or household insecticides (such as Black Flag, Raid, etc.).

Importation Procedures

Pesticides or Pesticide Devices that Require Advance Notice

  1. Submit a completed Notice of Intent to Import Pesticides and Pesticide Devices (NOII) along with the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and label for each pesticide intended for import. No payment is required for NOII.
  2. DEQ will verify information and notify the importer within 2-3 business days of its' approval or disapproval.
  3. DEQ will notify the importer of the approval or disapproval of NOII.
  4. Order the pesticide or pesticide devices once approval is received. Note: Ordering pesticides that require advance notice to DEQ without prior approval is a violation of the CNMI Pesticide Regulations.
  5. Submit a completed Notice of Arrival of Pesticides and Pesticide Devices (NOA) for each pesticide or pesticide device. Non-refundable fee of $15 per shipment for General Use Pesticides (GUP)and $50 per shipment for Restricted Use Pesticides (RUP).
  6. DEQ inspection and release the pesticides or pesticide devices to the importer.

Please visit or contact BECQ at (670)-664-8500/12 for more information.

BECQ Division of Environmental Quality regulates the importation of pesticides in the islands of the Commonwealth. Importation of any banned or misbranded pesticide or pesticide device is a violation of these regulations under § 65-70-101(a). Importation of any unregistered pesticide, but not pesticide device, is a violation of these regulations. Any banned, misbranded or unregistered pesticide, any pesticide device without an establishment number, or any pesticide shipment otherwise not in compliance with these pesticide regulations, may be detained, or denied entry to the extent permitted by law, by the DEQ Director or by Customs Officers, or Agricultural Quarantine Officers.

Pesticide Regulations as of March 2018

CNMI Pesticide Regulations Amendments

Pesticide Sale

Only pesticides and pesticide devices actively registered by the US Environmental Protection Agency allowed for use, sale, import, or distribution in the CNMI.

A Pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances intended for the purpose of preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest.

View the pesticide registration status on any one of these US EPA approved databases:

Requirements for Pesticides on display for sale

  1. All pesticides offered for sale must be in the registrant’s approved container with the appropriate labeling required by federal law.
  2. Any damaged pesticide container must be immediately removed from display area to a location where it’s contents can be contained.
  3. Any pesticide material spilled must be immediately cleaned and decontaminated by a method appropriate to the material spilled.
  4. Be advised that all pesticides on display to the general public must be displayed at a minimum distance of:
    • Ten (10) feet from soft, fresh, or loosely packaged food or feed items that may absorb odors from the pesticides. Examples: vegetables, pastries, rice, meats, candy, chips, etc.
    • Four (4) feet from hard packaged, canned food or any other type of food or edible item.
Special Projects

Pesticide Residue Testing

Area of Concern:

Public perception of pesticides on locally produced crops, based on the misuse of pesticides (early harvest or apply too much, too often) or the use of misbranded (unregistered and illegal) pesticides.

Solution:

Two courses of action:

  1. Conduct residue testing on local crops to determine presence or absence of pesticide residue.
  2. Conduct commodity sampling (fruit or vegetable to be sent to a laboratory for analysis) to determine type of pesticide and level of toxicity.
Partners:
  • Bureau of Environmental Health (BEH)
  • NMC Cooperative Research, Extension, Education Service (CREES)
  • Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
  • Dept. of Lands & Natural Resources (DLNR)
  • Sabalu Farmers Association
  • Community At Large (growers & buyers)
The Test
  • This endeavor is a joint government and non-government initiative to test locally grown produce in Saipan, Tinian and Rota for the purpose of instilling consumer confidence in locally grown produce and promoting the consumption of fruits and vegetables.
  • The test for chemical (pesticide) residue on fruits and vegetables shall be conducted using an onsite field test kit. The onsite test will provide a quick response to confirm or eliminate the presence of chemicals (pesticides) on the tested produce.
  • This test is strictly a fact-finding endeavor to identify the current pesticide usage and pesticide residue level. The focus and intent is to raise awareness about the safe use of pesticides in local agriculture.
Our Goals
  • Raise awareness that community-based business is valuable & important to our local island economy, our culture and social fabric.
  • Assure the community that locally grown fruits and vegetables are safe commodities.
  • Participation can lead to the promotion & advertising of your business, and elevate your sales.
  • Create strong relationships with local government and the media to foster a healthier CNMI.
The Results

The results of the onsite testing will assist the organizations address the safe use of pesticides and residue levels.

Residue Test Results (as of Dec 2013)

  • Acho's Gualo
  • 3J's Enterprises
  • William Ada Farm
  • Greg Calvo's Farm
  • Saipan Farm & Garden
  • Rose's Farm
  • Greenlife Local Fresh Produce
  • Camia Garden
  • R/D Enterprises
  • Guerrero's Farm Produce
  • Jess Multi-Farms
  • KET/Roberto Farm
  • Lizama Farm
  • Y.A.S. Farm
  • Frank Castro Farm