Chemical name: Methane, bromo-

Final regulatory action has been taken for the category: Pesticide, Industrial

Final regulatory action: The chemical is Severely Restricted

Use or uses prohibited by the final regulatory action:

Against soil pests on tobacco seedlings in nurseries.

Methyl bromide as a gas in cylinders under pressure.

Use or uses that remain allowed:

Methyl bromide in gas cylinders.

Pesticide use or uses that remain allowed:

Methyl bromide is exempted for use in treating stored products in containers/warehouses for export purposes, e.g. fumigating wooden containers for exporting tea or macadamia.

The final regulatory action was based on a risk or hazard evaluation: Yes

Summary of the final regulatory action:

Methyl bromide was declared as Ozone - Depleting Substance (ODS) by the Montreal Protocol which came into force in 1989. Malawi as a producer of tobacco heavily relied on the use of methyl bromide as a fumigant of soil pests. Realizing the dangers of the pesticide, Malawi decided through its Regulatory Authority to restrict the use of this chemical.

The reasons for the final regulatory action were relevant to: Environment

Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment:

With the existence of the Montreal Protocol on Ozone depleting substances, Methyl Bromide use in Malawi has to be restricted to protect the environment.

Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to the environment:

Final Regulation Action will compel farmers to stop using methyl bromide in tobacco nursery. Use of product will be confined to storage only.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 28/05/2009