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Classification of Pesticides

Any pesticide sold in Canada must be registered by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). When a pesticide is registered it is given a Pest Control Products Act number (or PCP number) that is unique to that product.

Registered pesticides are also assigned to a ‘class’, depending upon the toxicity and intended use of the product.  Pesticides may be classed as:

Domestic Class

Domestic class pesticides are sold for home use.  These are packaged in small containers.  They are intended for a single application or a single use season.  Domestic class pesticides pose little risk to users or the environment, if label directions are followed.

Commercial Class

Commercial class pesticides are used in agriculture, forestry, industry, or other commercial operations.  Active ingredients may be the same as those of Domestic class pesticides, but they are more concentrated.  Commercial class products can pose a greater risk because of their higher concentration of active ingredient(s) or the size of the container.

Individuals who wish to apply a Commercial class pesticide must demonstrate knowledge of safe handling, application, transport, storage procedures, and proper use of personal protective equipment.  They do this by successfully completing a written exam.

Restricted Class

Restricted class pesticides have restriction on their use. 

Manufacturing Class

Manufacturing class pesticides are used in manufacturing, formulating, or repackaging other products.  They are not availble for sale to, or use by, the general public.