Changes to the registration of imidacloprid pesticides (non-agricultural uses)

All pesticides used in Canada must be registered under the Pest Control Products Act . Pesticides are re-evaluated to ensure that they continue to meet health and environmental requirements. Re-evaluation may result in the revocation of a product or product uses. Health Canada may also request changes to a product's label, including mitigation measures, use sites and application methods.

Imidacloprid is a neonicotinoid insecticide used on several crops, for the treatment of seeds, for the treatment of structures and on domestic animals against fleas and ticks. Highlights of the re-evaluation decision of the active ingredient imidacloprid for non-agricultural uses, published on May 19, 2021, are summarized below.

In this factsheet, non-agricultural uses include use on lawns, structural treatments and products for pets.

Cancelled products, as of May 19, 2024

Stop the use of the following pesticides:

The sale of these products is prohibited since May 19, 2023.

Label changes for imidacloprid pesticides, as of May 19, 2023

Cancelled uses

Stop foliar or granular applications on turf.

Other risk reduction measures

Products for structural uses

• Updated statement on site ventilation during application:
  • "Ventilate treated areas either by opening windows and doors or through use of air exchange/ventilation systems confirmed to be operational. Use fans where required to aid in the circulation of air."
• Updated definitions of permitted application types for the treatment of structures *.

Pet products

• Update of permitted uses for local topical treatment against fleas and ticks.

Users must follow the instructions on the updated labels.

Using a pesticide contrary with the label directions is a violation of the Pest Control Products Act.

Read the label

All pesticides registered in Canada have a Health Canada-approved label with a registration number. Read the pesticide label carefully, as it contains specific information on how to use it.

To find the most up-to-date label, use our online label search tool, or search for "Health Canada pesticide labels" using your favourite search engine.