Consultation on the proposed special review decision of 4-Chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid and its associated end-use products, PSRD2026-01

Health Canada has evaluated the aspects of concern that prompted the special review of pest control products containing 4-Chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid (MCPA), which are relevant to human health, and proposes continued registration of MCPA and associated end-use products registered for sale and use in Canada.

MCPA is a phenoxy herbicide used to selectively control broadleaf weeds in forests and woodlots (use-site category 4), terrestrial non-food and non-feed seed and fibre crops (use-site category 7), terrestrial feed/food crops (use-site category 13,14), non-agricultural industrial and residential pest management for non-food sites (use-site category 16), and turf (use-site category 30). All currently registered products containing MCPA have been considered in this special review.

The evaluation of available relevant scientific information related to the aspect of concern indicated that MCPA showed acceptable risk when used according to the proposed conditions of registration, which includes new mitigation measures.

The proposed additional mitigation measures are summarized in the consultation summary, and details are outlined in Appendix V of PSRD2026-01, Proposed special review decision of 4-Chloro-2-Methylphenoxyacetic Acid and its associated end-use products.

For a full list of products containing MCPA, please consult Appendix I of PSRD2026-01 or visit the Pesticide Label Search database.

How to get involved

This consultation is open for comment from 29 May 2026 and will close for consultation on 13 July 2026 (45 calendar days).

To comment on PSRD2026-01:

• Step 1: Request the full consultation document to access the document.
• Step 2: Submit comments to the Pesticides Publications Section.

Please be sure to include the title of the consultation document on which you are commenting (PSRD2026-01, Proposed special review decision of 4-Chloro-2-Methylphenoxyacetic Acid and its associated end-use products).

Health Canada will accept written comments on this proposal up to 45 days from the date of publication of this document before making a final decision on the proposed special review decision of MCPA and its associated end-use products.

Reporting to the people of Canada

Health Canada will make the decision for this special review available on this website (the Pesticides and Pest Management Reports and Publications portion of Canada.ca).

If you have any questions, contact the Pesticides Information Service.

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Contact Us

Health Canada
Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
Pesticides Regulatory Directorate
2 Constellation Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9
Address Locator: 2608A
Email: pesticides-info@hc-sc.gc.ca