What entity establishes the format of pesticide labels?

Pesticide labels are governed by federal regulations primarily established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These regulations ensure that labels provide essential information about the pesticide's proper use, including application rates, safety precautions, environmental hazards, and instructions for handling and disposal. The consistency in labeling format mandated by federal regulations helps to ensure that users, including aerial applicators, have access to clear and standardized information, thereby promoting safe and effective use of pesticides across the country.

State agencies may implement additional regulations or requirements, but the foundational format and necessary wording for pesticide labels are determined at the federal level. Industry standards can influence certain aspects, yet they do not establish the legal format of labels. Local mandates could impose additional restrictions but also do not dictate the basic structure of pesticide labeling as defined by federal law. Thus, the federal regulations stand as the primary source for the format of pesticide labels.