{"id":"agricultural-and-veterinary-chemicals-control-of-use-regulations-2005","name":"AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS (CONTROL OF USE) REGULATIONS 2005","slug":"agricultural-and-veterinary-chemicals-control-of-use-regulations-2005","collection":"regulation","jurisdiction":"nt","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":174177,"registerId":"nt-agricultural-and-veterinary-chemicals-control-of-use-regulations-2005-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-05","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS (CONTROL OF USE) REGULATIONS 2005","content":"NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA\nAGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS (CONTROL OF USE)\nREGULATIONS 2005\nAs in force at 16 December 2021\nTable of provisions\nPart 1 Preliminary matters\n1 Citation ............................................................................................ 1\n2 Commencement .............................................................................. 1\n3 Definitions ........................................................................................ 1\n4 Approved testing methods ............................................................... 2\n5 Approved training courses ............................................................... 3\nPart 2 Possession, use and supply of chemical\nproducts generally\nDivision 1 Aerial spraying equipment\n7 Aerial spraying equipment ............................................................... 3\nDivision 2 Possession, use and supply of certain\nagricultural chemical products\n8 Prescribed products......................................................................... 3\n9 Possession and use of prescribed product ...................................... 4\n10 Supply of prescribed products to persons who are not\nauthorised ........................................................................................ 4\nDivision 3 Recording use of chemical products\n11 Information about use of agricultural chemical products.................. 4\n12 Ground spray applicator or pilot must record information ................ 5\n13 Record of use of agricultural chemical products to be kept ............. 6\n14 Records about use of veterinary chemical products by non-\nveterinarians to be kept ................................................................... 7\n15 Records to be signed and dated ...................................................... 7\nPart 3 Possession and use of restricted chemical\nproducts\n16 Persons authorised to have possession of and use restricted\nchemical products............................................................................ 7\n16A Application for authorisation ............................................................ 8\n16B Issue of restricted chemical product authorisation ........................... 8\n\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2005 ii\nPart 4 Possession and use of S7 chemical\nproducts (S7 authorisations)\n17 Application for authorisation ............................................................ 8\n18 Issue of S7 authorisation ................................................................. 8\nPart 5 Licensing requirements for ground and\naerial spraying\nDivision 1 Ground spraying\n19 Classes of ground spray applicator's licence ................................... 9\nDivision 2 Aerial spraying\n20 Application for aerial spraying business licence ............................ 10\n21 Application for pilot (chemical rating) licence ................................. 10\nPart 6 Manufacture, sale and use of fertilisers\nDivision 1 Application and interpretation\n22 Fertilisers to which this Part applies .............................................. 10\n23 Substances exempt from application of this Part ........................... 11\n24 Neutralising value of lime............................................................... 11\nDivision 2 Labelling of fertilisers by manufacturers and\nsellers\n25 Offence .......................................................................................... 12\n26 Containers to be labelled ............................................................... 12\n27 Information on labels ..................................................................... 12\n28 Attaching labels to containers ........................................................ 13\n29 Printing on labels and delivery dockets ......................................... 13\n30 Labels and delivery dockets to be in English ................................. 13\n31 Other requirements for delivery dockets for bulk fertiliser or\ncustom fertiliser mix ....................................................................... 13\n32 Additional information: phosphatic fertiliser ................................... 14\nPart 7 Harmful ingredients in fertilisers\n33 Harmful ingredients ....................................................................... 14\n34 Maximum amounts of harmful ingredients in fertilisers .................. 14\nPart 8 Standards for agricultural produce\n35 Chemical residues in agricultural produce ..................................... 15\n36 Maximum residue limits ................................................................. 16\n37 Exceeding maximum residue limits ............................................... 16\n\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2005 iii\n38 Requirements for working out chemical residues .......................... 16\nPart 9 Infringement notices\n39 When infringement notice may be served ..................................... 17\n40 Prescribed amount ........................................................................ 17\n41 Contents of infringement notice ..................................................... 17\n42 Expiation of offence ....................................................................... 19\n43 Withdrawal of infringement notice.................................................. 19\n44 How service effected ..................................................................... 19\n45 Additional matters .......................................................................... 19\nPart 10 Administrative matters\n46 Information published in the Gazette ............................................. 20\nSchedule 1 Minimum percentage contents of elements\nin fertilisers\nSchedule 2 Persons authorised to have possession of\nand use restricted chemical product\nSchedule 3 Infringement notices prescribed offences\nand amounts\nENDNOTES\n\n\n\nNORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA\n____________________\nAs in force at 16 December 2021\n____________________\nAGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS (CONTROL OF USE)\nREGULATIONS 2005\nRegulations under the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of\nUse) Act 2004\nPart 1 Preliminary matters\n1 Citation\nThese Regulations may be cited as the Agricultural and Veterinary\nChemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2005.\n2 Commencement\n(1) Regulation 6 comes into operation on the date fixed by the Minister\nby notice in the Gazette.\n(2) The remaining provisions of these Regulations come into operation\non the day on which these Regulations are notified in the Gazette.\n3 Definitions\nIn these Regulations, unless the contrary intention appears:\nAOAC means the Association of the Official Analytical Chemists.\nAPVMA means the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines\nAuthority continued in existence by the Agricultural and Veterinary\nChemicals (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth).\napproved testing method has the meaning in regulation 4.\napproved training course has the meaning in regulation 5.\nchemical residue, in agricultural produce, has the meaning in\nregulation 35.\nelement means boron, calcium, cobalt, copper, iron, magnesium,\nmanganese, molybdenum, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium,\nselenium, sulfur or zinc.\n\nPart 1 Preliminary matters\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2005 2\nharmful ingredient, in a fertiliser, has the meaning in\nregulation 33.\nlime means agricultural lime that:\n(a) consists mainly of a combination of calcium and magnesium\ncarbonates; and\n(b) has an effective neutralising value of at least 50%.\nminimum percentage content, of an element specified in\nSchedule 1, column 1 that is in a fertiliser, means:\n(a) if it is a solid fertiliser – the percentage content specified\nopposite in Schedule 1, column 2; or\n(b) if it is a liquid fertiliser – the percentage content specified\nopposite in Schedule 1, column 3.\nMRL Standard means the MRL Standard published by or on behalf\nof the APVMA, as amended from time to time.\nneutralising value, of lime, has the meaning in regulation 24.\npercentage content, of a solid that is in a substance, means:\n(a) if the solid is in a solid substance – the proportion (expressed\nas a percentage) that the solid's weight bears to the total\nweight of the substance; or\n(b) if the solid in a liquid substance – the proportion (expressed as\na percentage) that the solid's weight bears to the total volume\nof the substance.\nphosphatic fertiliser means a fertiliser that contains phosphorus in\na percentage content greater than 2%.\nS7 authorisation means an authorisation under Part 4 to have\npossession of and use an S7 chemical product.\n4 Approved testing methods\nAn approved testing method for testing a substance is:\n(a) a method for testing the substance approved by the\nChemicals Coordinator by notice in the Gazette; or\n(b) if there is no method approved by the Chemicals\nCoordinator – the method for testing the substance most\nrecently published by the AOAC.\n\nPart 2 Possession, use and supply of chemical products generally\nDivision 2 Possession, use and supply of certain agricultural chemical products\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2005 3\n5 Approved training courses\nAn approved training course for handling a substance is a course\nfor handling the substance approved by the Chemicals Coordinator\nby notice in the Gazette.\nPart 2 Possession, use and supply of chemical\nproducts generally\nDivision 1 Aerial spraying equipment\n7 Aerial spraying equipment\n(1) A person must not use aerial spraying equipment unless each of\nthe individual spray nozzles used in the equipment is fitted with an\noperating leak proof cut off valve.\nMaximum penalty: 50 penalty units.\n(2) A person must not carry out aerial spraying unless one or more of\nthe following applies:\n(a) a smoke generating device is operated at ground level at or\nnear the point at which the agricultural chemical product is\napplied immediately before, and at all times during, the\napplication;\n(b) the aircraft is fitted with a smoke generating device that is\noperated immediately before, and at all times during, the\napplication of the agricultural chemical product;\n(c) a windsock that is clearly visible to the pilot of the aircraft is\noperating at ground level at or near the point at which the\nagricultural chemical product is applied.\nMaximum penalty: 50 penalty units.\nDivision 2 Possession, use and supply of certain agricultural\nchemical products\n8 Prescribed products\nThe Chemicals Coordinator may, by Gazette notice, declare a\nproduct to be a prescribed product for this Division.\n\nPart 2 Possession, use and supply of chemical products generally\nDivision 3 Recording use of chemical products\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2005 4\n9 Possession and use of prescribed product\nA person must not have possession of or use a prescribed product\nunless:\n(a) the person has successfully completed an approved training\ncourse for handling the product; or\n(b) the person is authorised to use the product under a ground\nspray applicator's licence or a pilot (chemical rating) licence\nand uses the product in accordance with the licence.\nMaximum penalty: 30 penalty units.\n10 Supply of prescribed products to persons who are not\nauthorised\nA person must not, without reasonable excuse, supply a prescribed\nproduct to a person who is not authorised under these Regulations\nto have possession of or use the product.\nMaximum penalty: 30 penalty units\nDivision 3 Recording use of chemical products\n11 Information about use of agricultural chemical products\nThe information required to be kept under section 72 of the Act, or\nrecorded under regulation 12 or 13, about the use of agricultural\nchemical products is the following:\n(a) the name and address of the person who used the product;\n(b) if the product is used in a ground spraying business or an\naerial spraying business – the names and addresses of the\nbusiness, the licensee of the business and the client on whose\nbehalf the product was used;\n(c) the full name and APVMA registration number of the product;\n(d) the rate at which the product was applied or the amount of\nproduct applied;\n(e) the method of application;\n(f) if the method of application was aerial spraying:\n(i) the name and address of the pilot who flew the aircraft\nused to apply the product;\n\nPart 2 Possession, use and supply of chemical products generally\nDivision 3 Recording use of chemical products\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2005 5\n(ii) the type of aircraft used and the registration mark of that\naircraft; and\n(iii) a description of the manner in which the product was\napplied and the equipment used to apply it;\n(g) if applicable – the expiry date of the product;\n(h) the date and time the product was used, including the times at\nwhich the use started and finished if applicable;\n(i) the address or location of the land on which the product was\nused, including sufficient information to identify the particular\npaddock or the particular part of a paddock, and the size of\nthe area, on which the product was used;\n(j) the type of crop, pasture or other plants in the area where the\nproduct was used;\n(k) the weather conditions in the area at the time of use, including\ntemperature and wind direction and speed, and any changes\nin wind direction or speed during the time of use;\n(l) the name of the pest intended to be controlled or eradicated\nby the use;\n(m) the withholding period;\n(n) details of the permit or authorisation authorising the use;\n(o) the additional information required under that permit or\nauthorisation to be recorded.\n12 Ground spray applicator or pilot must record information\nA person who carries out spraying on behalf of a ground spraying\nbusiness licensee or an aerial spraying business licensee must, as\nsoon as practicable after carrying out the spraying:\n(a) record the information prescribed by regulation 11 in respect\nof that spraying; and\n(b) give the record to the licensee.\nMaximum penalty: 50 penalty units.\n\nPart 2 Possession, use and supply of chemical products generally\nDivision 3 Recording use of chemical products\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2005 6\n13 Record of use of agricultural chemical products to be kept\n(1) This regulation applies to a person who uses an agricultural\nchemical product in any of the following ways:\n(a) in the course of a business (other than a ground spraying\nbusiness or an aerial spraying business) involving the use of\nagricultural chemical products;\n(b) in the course of carrying out pest control operations on behalf\nof a public authority;\n(c) to treat turf on a sporting ground or other recreational area;\n(d) to treat by means of spray equipment a horticultural crop that\nhas not been harvested;\n(e) to treat by any means whatsoever a horticultural crop that has\nbeen harvested;\n(f) to treat a crop or pasture other than a horticultural crop, or to\ntreat trees in a plantation, by means of powered spray\nequipment;\n(g) to treat stored grain or stockfood;\n(h) for any other purpose by means of ground driven powered\nspray equipment.\n(2) A person who uses an agricultural chemical product must keep for\n2 years after the use a record of the information prescribed by\nregulation 11.\nMaximum penalty: 50 penalty units.\n(3) In this regulation:\nground driven powered spray equipment means powered spray\nequipment that is mounted on or attached to a vehicle.\nhorticultural crop means fruit, vegetables, flowers, nuts, herbs or\nspices intended for sale.\npowered spray equipment means spray equipment that is\npowered other than by human energy.\npublic authority means:\n(a) the Territory; or\n(b) a statutory corporation; or\n\nPart 3 Possession and use of restricted chemical products\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2005 7\n(c) a local government council.\nspray equipment means a machine or other equipment used to\nspray a chemical product through the air.\n14 Records about use of veterinary chemical products by\nnon-veterinarians to be kept\nIf a person who is not a veterinarian uses a registered veterinary\nchemical product to treat an animal of a food-producing species,\nthe person must keep for 2 years after the use a record of the\nfollowing:\n(a) the name of the product or the chemical name or common\nname of the active constituent of the product;\n(b) the dates and times the product is administered;\n(c) the amount of the dose administered;\n(d) the route by which the dose is administered;\n(e) the withholding period;\n(f) the means by which the animal can be identified.\nMaximum penalty: 50 penalty units.\n15 Records to be signed and dated\nA person who is required to keep a record under section 72 of the\nAct or under this Division must sign and date the record on the day\non which the record is made.\nMaximum penalty: 50 penalty units.\nPart 3 Possession and use of restricted chemical\nproducts\n16 Persons authorised to have possession of and use restricted\nchemical products\nFor section 48(5) of the Act:\n(a) a person specified in Schedule 2 is authorised to have\npossession of and use the restricted chemical product\nspecified opposite in Schedule 2; and\n(b) the Chemicals Coordinator may authorise a person to have\npossession of and use a restricted chemical product.\n\nPart 4 Possession and use of S7 chemical products (S7 authorisations)\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2005 8\n16A Application for authorisation\nAn application for a restricted chemical product authorisation must\nbe in the approved form.\n16B Issue of restricted chemical product authorisation\n(1) The Chemicals Coordinator may issue a restricted chemical product\nauthorisation that authorises the possession and use of a particular\nrestricted chemical product if satisfied that the applicant:\n(a) has a genuine and sufficient reason for having possession of\nand using the restricted chemical product; and\n(b) is competent to handle the restricted chemical product.\n(2) A restricted chemical product authorisation is subject to the\nconditions specified in the authorisation.\n(3) A decision under this regulation to issue, or refuse to issue, a\nrestricted chemical product authorisation is a reviewable decision\nand the applicant for the authorisation is the affected person for the\ndecision.\nPart 4 Possession and use of S7 chemical products\n(S7 authorisations)\n17 Application for authorisation\nAn application for an S7 authorisation must be in the approved\nform.\n18 Issue of S7 authorisation\n(1) The Chemicals Coordinator may issue an S7 authorisation that\nauthorises the possession and use of a particular S7 chemical\nproduct if satisfied that the applicant:\n(a) has a genuine and sufficient reason for having possession of\nand using the S7 chemical product; and\n(b) is competent to handle the S7 chemical product.\n(2) An S7 authorisation is subject to the conditions specified in the\nauthorisation.\n\nPart 5 Licensing requirements for ground and aerial spraying\nDivision 1 Ground spraying\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2005 9\n(3) The Chemicals Coordinator may refuse to issue an S7 authorisation\nif the applicant has, within the 3 years immediately before the date\nof the application, been found guilty of:\n(a) an offence against the Act or these Regulations; or\n(b) an offence relating to the misuse of chemicals under another\nlaw of the Territory or a law of the Commonwealth, a State or\nanother Territory.\n(4) The Chemicals Coordinator must not issue an S7 authorisation in\nrespect of a particular S7 chemical product if satisfied that the\napplicant's possession or use of the product would pose an\nunacceptable risk to:\n(a) the health or safety of persons;\n(b) the environment; or\n(c) domestic or export trade in agricultural produce.\n(5) A decision under this regulation to issue, or refuse to issue, an S7\nauthorisation is a reviewable decision and the applicant for the\nauthorisation is the affected person for the decision.\nPart 5 Licensing requirements for ground and aerial\nspraying\nDivision 1 Ground spraying\n19 Classes of ground spray applicator's licence\n(1) The Chemicals Coordinator may grant an unrestricted or a\nrestricted ground spray applicator's licence.\n(2) An unrestricted ground spray applicator's licence authorises the\ncarrying out of all classes of ground spraying.\n(3) A restricted ground spray applicator's licence authorises the\ncarrying out of the class of ground spraying specified in the licence.\n\nPart 6 Manufacture, sale and use of fertilisers\nDivision 1 Application and interpretation\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2005 10\nDivision 2 Aerial spraying\n20 Application for aerial spraying business licence\nAn application for an aerial spraying business licence must be\naccompanied by evidence that the applicant holds an Air Operator's\nCertificate under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth) authorising the\napplicant to conduct aerial agricultural operations.\n21 Application for pilot (chemical rating) licence\n(1) An application for a pilot (chemical rating) licence must be\naccompanied by the following:\n(a) evidence that the applicant holds a commercial or senior\ncommercial pilot's licence under the Civil Aviation\nAct 1988 (Cth) that is endorsed with an agricultural rating;\n(b) details of any applications for an equivalent interstate licence\nmade by the applicant at any time, including the outcomes of\nthose applications;\n(c) details of any equivalent interstate licences held by the\napplicant at any time, including details of any cancellations or\nsuspensions;\n(d) the conditions to which the applicant proposes that the licence\nshould be subject;\n(e) evidence that the applicant holds a Spraysafe Certificate\nissued by the Aerial Agricultural Association of Australia.\n(2) In subregulation (1):\nequivalent interstate licence, in relation to a licence under Part 5,\nDivision 2 of the Act, means a licence or other authorisation granted\nor issued under a law of a State or another Territory of the\nCommonwealth that is equivalent to the licence under that Division.\nPart 6 Manufacture, sale and use of fertilisers\nDivision 1 Application and interpretation\n22 Fertilisers to which this Part applies\n(1) This Part applies in relation to a fertiliser that:\n(a) contains at least one element in at least its minimum\npercentage content;\n\nPart 6 Manufacture, sale and use of fertilisers\nDivision 1 Application and interpretation\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2005 11\n(b) is manufactured, or is sold, for conditioning, altering the acidity\nof or fertilising soil or for supplying nutrients to plants; and\n(c) is manufactured for sale, or is sold, in containers of\n25 kilograms or more or as bulk supplies.\n(2) The substances to which this Part applies include gypsum, lime and\nsoil conditioner.\n(3) In subregulation (2):\nsoil conditioner means a substance for improving soil structure by\nenhancing soil aggregation and permeability to air and water and by\nreducing crusting of dry soil.\n23 Substances exempt from application of this Part\n(1) This Part does not apply to any of the following substances unless\nthe manufacturer or seller of the substance claims that it is a\nfertiliser:\n(a) composted or unprocessed animal manure;\n(b) material attached to, or supplying nutrients to, seed;\n(c) peat or peat moss;\n(d) pelletised or mixed animal manure, whether mixed with\nvegetable matter or not;\n(e) planting unit mixture;\n(f) potting mixture;\n(g) unprocessed biological manufacturer's waste.\n(2) In subregulation (1):\nclaim includes a representation that the percentage content of an\nelement in a substance is at least equal to the element's minimum\npercentage content.\n24 Neutralising value of lime\nThe neutralising value of lime is the ability of lime to neutralise\nacidity compared with the ability of pure calcium carbonate to\nneutralise acidity and must be worked out using AOAC official\nmethod 955.01.\n\nPart 6 Manufacture, sale and use of fertilisers\nDivision 2 Labelling of fertilisers by manufacturers and sellers\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2005 12\nDivision 2 Labelling of fertilisers by manufacturers and\nsellers\n25 Offence\n(1) A person who manufactures fertiliser for sale in the Territory must\ncomply with the requirements of this Part in relation to the fertiliser.\nMaximum penalty: 30 penalty units.\n(2) A person who sells fertiliser in the Territory must comply with the\nrequirements of this Part in relation to the fertiliser.\nMaximum penalty: 30 penalty units.\n(3) A person does not contravene this regulation if the fertiliser is\nmanufactured for sale, or is sold, to another person who is in the\nbusiness of manufacturing fertiliser.\n26 Containers to be labelled\nA container of fertiliser must be labelled.\n27 Information on labels\n(1) The label of a container of fertiliser (including a custom fertiliser\nmixture) must include the following information:\n(a) the fertiliser's distinguishing name;\n(b) the name and principal place of business of its manufacturer\nor seller;\n(c) in respect of each element that is in the fertiliser in at least its\nminimum percentage content:\n(i) the element's name;\n(ii) the percentage content of the element in the fertiliser;\nand\n(iii) each form of the element that is in the fertiliser;\n(d) the additional information specified in regulation 32 if\napplicable.\n(2) In subregulation (1):\ndistinguishing name, of a fertiliser, means the name that identifies\nthe fertiliser from another fertiliser.\n\nPart 6 Manufacture, sale and use of fertilisers\nDivision 2 Labelling of fertilisers by manufacturers and sellers\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2005 13\nprincipal place of business means:\n(a) for a fertiliser manufacturer – the manufacturer's principal\nplace of business in Australia; or\n(b) for a fertiliser seller – the seller's principal place of business in\nthe Territory or, if the seller does not have a principal place of\nbusiness in the Territory, the seller's principal place of\nbusiness in Australia.\n28 Attaching labels to containers\n(1) The label of a container of fertiliser must be printed or stencilled on,\nor securely attached to, the outside of the container.\n(2) If it is not possible to comply with subregulation (1) because the\nfertiliser is a bulk fertiliser or a custom fertiliser mix, the label must\nbe attached to the delivery docket for the fertiliser.\n29 Printing on labels and delivery dockets\nThe printing on a label of a container of fertiliser or the delivery\ndocket for fertiliser must be:\n(a) legible;\n(b) indelible; and\n(c) in a colour that affords a distinct contrast to the background\ncolour.\n30 Labels and delivery dockets to be in English\nThe information on the label of a container of fertiliser or the\ndelivery docket for fertiliser must be in English and may also be in\nanother language.\n31 Other requirements for delivery dockets for bulk fertiliser or\ncustom fertiliser mix\nThe delivery docket for a bulk fertiliser or a custom fertiliser mix:\n(a) must be handed to the purchaser, or a person authorised by\nthe purchaser, at the time of delivery; or\n(b) if neither the purchaser nor a person authorised by the\npurchaser is present at the time of delivery – must be left in a\nconspicuous place on the purchaser's premises and a copy of\nthe docket must be posted to the purchaser within 7 days after\nthe delivery.\n\nPart 7 Harmful ingredients in fertilisers\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2005 14\n32 Additional information: phosphatic fertiliser\n(1) The label on a container of phosphatic fertiliser must include a\nwarning that the fertiliser must not be fed to stock if it contains more\nthan:\n(a) 40 grams of fluorine per kilogram of phosphorus; or\n(b) 100 milligrams of cadmium per kilogram of phosphorus.\n(2) In subregulation (1):\nstock means vertebrate animals, bees, crustaceans or molluscs.\nPart 7 Harmful ingredients in fertilisers\n33 Harmful ingredients\nThe following are harmful ingredients in fertilisers:\n(a) cadmium;\n(b) lead;\n(c) mercury.\n34 Maximum amounts of harmful ingredients in fertilisers\n(1) The maximum amount of cadmium a fertiliser may contain is:\n(a) if it is phosphatic fertiliser – 300 milligrams per kilogram of\nphosphorus;\n(b) if it is nonphosphatic fertiliser other than trace element\nfertiliser – 10 milligrams per kilogram of total product; or\n(c) if it is a trace element fertiliser – 50 milligrams per kilogram of\ntotal product.\n(2) The maximum amount of lead a fertiliser may contain is:\n(a) if it is a fertiliser other than lime or gypsum, a fertiliser\ncontaining at least 25% organic matter, a fertiliser with added\nzinc for soil or a trace element fertiliser – 100 milligrams per\nkilogram of total product;\n(b) if it is lime or gypsum – 30 milligrams per kilogram of total\nproduct;\n\nPart 8 Standards for agricultural produce\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2005 15\n(c) if it is a fertiliser containing at least 25% organic matter –\n300 milligrams per kilogram of total product;\n(d) if it is a fertiliser with added zinc for soil – 500 milligrams per\nkilogram of total product; or\n(e) if it is trace element fertiliser for:\n(i) foliar application only – 500 milligrams per kilogram of\ntotal product;\n(ii) foliar or direct soil application – 500 milligrams per\nkilogram of total product; or\n(iii) direct soil application only – 2 000 milligrams per\nkilogram of total product.\n(3) The maximum amount of mercury a fertiliser may contain is\n5 milligrams per kilogram of total product.\n(4) In this regulation:\nfertiliser with added zinc for soil means a fertiliser for direct soil\napplication containing at least 5% added zinc but does not include a\ntrace element fertiliser.\ntrace element means boron, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese,\nmolybdenum, selenium or zinc.\ntrace element fertiliser means a fertiliser for direct soil application\nor foliar application in which the only elements in at least their\nminimum percentage contents are trace elements.\nPart 8 Standards for agricultural produce\n35 Chemical residues in agricultural produce\n(1) A chemical residue in agricultural produce is a substance that is\npresent in or on the produce as a result of:\n(a) the direct or indirect use of a chemical product in relation to\nthe produce; or\n(b) contact between a chemical product and the produce.\n(2) In this regulation:\nenvironmental contaminant means a substance the source of\nwhich is environmental and not the direct or indirect use of a\nchemical product.\n\nPart 8 Standards for agricultural produce\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2005 16\nsubstance includes an active constituent of a chemical product, a\nmetabolite produced as a result of the direct or indirect use of a\nchemical product, and an environmental contaminant.\n36 Maximum residue limits\n(1) The maximum residue limits for a chemical product, or a substance\nassociated with a chemical product, in agricultural produce intended\nor normally used for human consumption are the maximum residue\nlimits set out in Table 1 of the MRL Standard.\n(2) The maximum residue limits for a chemical product, or a substance\nassociated with a chemical product, in agricultural produce intended\nor normally used for animal consumption are the maximum residue\nlimits set out in Table 4 of the MRL Standard.\n(3) The maximum residue limits for a chemical product, or a substance\nassociated with a chemical product, in agricultural produce intended\nor normally used for both human and animal consumption are the\nmaximum residue limits set out in Table 1 of the MRL Standard.\n37 Exceeding maximum residue limits\n(1) A chemical residue in agricultural produce exceeds the maximum\nresidue limit if the chemical residue in the produce exceeds the\nmaximum residue limit prescribed by regulation 36.\n(2) If no maximum residue limit is prescribed by regulation 36 for a\nchemical residue in agricultural produce, the chemical residue must\nnot be present in the produce.\n(3) For subregulation (1), a chemical residue must be worked out in\naccordance with regulation 38.\n38 Requirements for working out chemical residues\nA chemical residue must be worked out in accordance with the\nfollowing:\n(a) the portion of the agricultural produce that must be sampled\nand analysed is the portion set out in Table 1 of the MRL\nStandard;\n(b) the sampling method must be in accordance with the Codex\nAlimentarius, Volume 2A, Codex Standards for Pesticides in\nFoods, Section 1, Recommended Methods of Sampling for the\nDetermination of Pesticide Residues for Compliance with\nMRL's, as amended from time to time;\n\nPart 9 Infringement notices\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2005 17\n(c) the results of the analysis are to be rounded in accordance\nwith AS 2706-1984, Australian Standard for Numerical\nValues – Rounding and Interpretation of Limiting Values, as\namended from time to time, to take into account the number of\nsignificant figures in the maximum residue limit;\n(d) if practicable, the analysis must be carried out by a laboratory\nthat has a relevant accreditation from the National Association\nof Testing Authorities Australia.\nPart 9 Infringement notices\n39 When infringement notice may be served\nIf a chemical adviser believes a person has committed an offence\nagainst a provision of the Act or these Regulations specified in\nSchedule 3, column 1, the chemical adviser may serve an\ninfringement notice on the person.\n40 Prescribed amount\nThe prescribed amount that may be paid, instead of the penalty that\nmay otherwise be imposed for an offence specified in Schedule 3,\ncolumn 1 is the amount specified opposite in column 2.\n41 Contents of infringement notice\n(1) An infringement notice must include the following particulars:\n(a) the name and address of the alleged offender, if known;\n(b) the date of the infringement notice;\n(c) the date, time and place of the offence;\n(d) the nature of the offence and the prescribed amount payable\nin respect of that offence;\n(e) the enforcement agency, within the meaning of the Fines and\nPenalties (Recovery) Act 2001, to whom the prescribed\namount is payable.\n(2) An infringement notice must contain the following statements:\n(a) a statement to the effect that:\n(i) the alleged offender may expiate the offence and avoid\nenforcement action under the Fines and Penalties\n(Recovery) Act 2001 if he or she pays the prescribed\n\nPart 9 Infringement notices\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2005 18\namount to the enforcement agency specified in the\ninfringement notice within 28 days of service of the\ninfringement notice; and\n(ii) if the alleged offender pays the prescribed amount within\nthe period specified in the infringement notice, the\nenforcement agency will take no further action in relation\nto the offence;\n(b) a statement to the effect that if the alleged offender does not\npay the prescribed amount within the period specified in the\ninfringement notice and does not serve on the enforcement\nagency specified in the infringement notice a statement of\nelection to have the matter dealt with by a court (as contained\nin the infringement notice), unless the infringement notice is\nwithdrawn:\n(i) the Fines and Penalties (Recovery) Act 2001 will apply\nand the alleged offender may be served with a courtesy\nletter in accordance with that Act requiring payment of\nthe prescribed amount together with the costs in respect\nof the issue of that letter; and\n(ii) if the alleged offender does not make the payment as\nrequired by a courtesy letter, enforcement action may be\ntaken against him or her under the Fines and Penalties\n(Recovery) Act 2001 which, after due process, may\nresult in the suspension of the alleged offender's licence\nto drive, the seizure of property, the deduction of wages\nor salary, the registration of a statutory charge on land, a\ncommunity work order or imprisonment if a community\nwork order is breached;\n(c) a statement to the effect that the alleged offender may elect\nunder section 21 of the Fines and Penalties (Recovery)\nAct 2001 to have the matter dealt with by a court instead of\nunder the Fines and Penalties (Recovery) Act 2001 by\ncompleting a statement of election (as contained in the\ninfringement notice) and serving it on the enforcement agency\nspecified in the infringement notice;\n(d) a statement of election, for completion by the alleged offender\nif he or she elects to have the matter dealt with by a court, that\nincludes the information required by regulation 7(1) of the\nFines and Penalties (Recovery) Regulations 2001.\n\nPart 9 Infringement notices\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2005 19\n42 Expiation of offence\n(1) If an alleged offender pays the prescribed amount specified in an\ninfringement notice in accordance with the notice, the alleged\noffender is taken to have expiated the offence and no further\nproceedings are to be taken in respect of the offence.\n(2) If an alleged offender tenders a cheque in payment of a prescribed\namount, the amount is not taken to have been paid unless the\ncheque is cleared on presentation.\n43 Withdrawal of infringement notice\nAn infringement notice may be withdrawn at any time within\n28 days after it is served, but before payment of the prescribed\namount specified in the infringement notice, by serving on the\nalleged offender a notice:\n(a) signed by the Chemicals Coordinator; and\n(b) stating that the infringement notice is withdrawn.\n44 How service effected\nService of an infringement notice or a notice of withdrawal of an\ninfringement notice is effected:\n(a) by serving it personally on the alleged offender;\n(b) by posting it to the alleged offender at his or her last known\naddress; or\n(c) by leaving it for the alleged offender at his or her last known\nplace of residence or business with a person apparently\nresident or employed there and apparently not less than\n16 years of age.\n45 Additional matters\nThis Part:\n(a) does not prevent more than one infringement notice for the\nsame offence being served on an alleged offender, but it is\nsufficient for the application of regulation 42 to an alleged\noffender on whom more than one infringement notice has\nbeen served for the alleged offender to pay the prescribed\namount in accordance with any one of those notices;\n(b) does not limit the penalty that may be imposed by a court for\nan offence; and\n\nPart 10 Administrative matters\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2005 20\n(c) does not require an infringement notice to be served and does\nnot affect the liability of a person to be prosecuted in a court\nfor an offence in respect of which an infringement notice has\nnot been served.\nPart 10 Administrative matters\n46 Information published in the Gazette\nIf the Chemicals Coordinator publishes information in the Gazette,\nthe information must be made available for inspection by the public\nat a place specified in the Gazette notice.\n\nSchedule 1 Minimum percentage contents of elements in fertilisers\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2005 21\nSchedule 1 Minimum percentage contents of elements in\nfertilisers\nregulation 3\nColumn 1\nElement\nColumn 2\nMinimum percentage\ncontent in solid\nfertiliser (% w/w)\nColumn 3\nMinimum percentage\ncontent in liquid\nfertiliser (% w/v)\nBoron 0.005 0.005\nCalcium 0.5 0.1\nCobalt 0.001 0.001\nCopper 0.005 0.005\nIron 0.01 0.005\nMagnesium 0.5 0.1\nManganese 0.01 0.005\nMolybdenum 0.001 0.001\nNitrogen\n– in the form of\nammonium,\nnitrate, organic,\nurea or other form\n– total nitrogen\n0.2\n0.5 0.1\nPhosphorus\n– citrate or water\nsoluble\n– citrate insoluble\n– total phosphorus\n0.2\n0.1\n0.5\n0.1\nPotassium\n– in the form of\nchloride, nitrate,\norganic, sulphate\nor other form\n– total phosphorus\n0.2\n0.5 0.1\nSelenium 0.001 0.001\nSulfur 0.5 0.1\nZinc 0.005 0.005\n\nSchedule 2 Persons authorised to have possession of and use restricted chemical\nproduct\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2005 22\nSchedule 2 Persons authorised to have possession of and\nuse restricted chemical product\nregulation 16\nA restricted chemical product containing\nbifenthrin or chlorpyrifos\nThe holder of an authority under\nthe Medicines, Poisons and\nTherapeutic Goods Act 2012 to\npossess and use the product\nA restricted chemical product containing\nsodium monofluoroacetate (1080)\nA person who is authorised under\nan S7 authorisation to have\npossession of and use the\nproduct.\nA restricted chemical product containing\nendosulfan\nA person who is authorised under\nan S7 authorisation to have\npossession of and use the product\n\nSchedule 3 Infringement notices prescribed offences and amounts\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2005 23\nSchedule 3 Infringement notices prescribed offences and\namounts\nregulations 39 and 40\nColumn 1\nOffence Provision\nColumn 2\nPrescribed Amount\nPart A – Offences against Act\nSections 17, 19, 21, 42, 46, 47 and\n72\n– if the alleged offender is a\nnatural person\n– if the alleged offender is a\nbody corporate\n1 penalty unit\n5 penalty units\nSections 22 and 25\n– if the alleged offender is a\nnatural person\n– if the alleged offender is a\nbody corporate\n2 penalty units\n10 penalty units\nSections 23, 26 and 39\n– if the alleged offender is a\nnatural person\n– if the alleged offender is a\nbody corporate\n4 penalty units\n20 penalty units\nSections 27, 33, 34 and 35 2 penalty units\nSections 28, 29, 30 and 31 4 penalty units\nSections 38, 48, 49, 50, 53, 54 and\n55\n– if the alleged offender is a\nnatural person\n– if the alleged offender is a\nbody corporate\n5 penalty units\n25 penalty units\nSections 40 and 43 5 penalty units\nSections 41, 44, 45 and 51 1 penalty unit\nPart B – Offences against Regulations\nRegulations 7, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 25 2 penalty units\n\nENDNOTES\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2005 24\nENDNOTES\n1 KEY\nKey to abbreviations\namd = amended od = order\napp = appendix om = omitted\nbl = by-law pt = Part\nch = Chapter r = regulation/rule\ncl = clause rem = remainder\ndiv = Division renum = renumbered\nexp = expires/expired rep = repealed\nf = forms s = section\nGaz = Gazette sch = Schedule\nhdg = heading sdiv = Subdivision\nins = inserted SL = Subordinate Legislation\nlt = long title sub = substituted\nnc = not commenced\n2 LIST OF LEGISLATION\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations (SL No. 22, 2005)\nNotified 31 May 2005\nCommenced r 6: nc (rep by SL No. 20, 2008 before commencement);\nrem: 31 May 2005\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Amendment Regulations 2008\n(SL No. 20, 2008)\nNotified 30 July 2008\nCommenced 30 July 2008\nMedicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2012 (Act No. 13, 2012)\nAssent date 27 April 2012\nCommenced 1 May 2014 (Gaz S22, 30 April 2014, p 12)\nLocal Government Amendment Act 2014 (Act No. 19, 2014)\nAssent date 2 June 2014\nCommenced s 16: 1 July 2014; s 18: 1 December 2014; rem: 2 June 2014,\n(s 2)\nJabiru Town Development Repeal Act 2021 (Act No. 29, 2021)\nAssent date 15 December 2021\nCommenced 16 December 2021 (s 2)\n3 GENERAL AMENDMENTS\nGeneral amendments of a formal nature (which are not referred to in the table\nof amendments to this reprint) are made by the Interpretation Legislation\nAmendment Act 2018 (Act No. 22, 2018) to: rr 1, 13 and 41 and sch 2\n\nENDNOTES\nAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2005 25\n4 LIST OF AMENDMENTS\nr 3 amd No. 20, 2008, r 3\npt 2\ndiv 1 hdg sub No. 20, 2008, r 4\nr 6 rep No. 20, 2008, r 5\nr 7 amd No. 20, 2008, r 16\nrr 8 – 9 sub No. 20, 2008, r 6\nr 10 amd No. 20, 2008, r 16\nr 11 amd No. 20, 2008, r 7\nr 12 amd No. 20, 2008, r 16\nr 13 amd No. 20, 2008, rr 8 and 16; Act No. 19, 2014, s 26; Act No. 29, 2021, s 10\nrr 14 – 15 amd No. 20, 2008, r 16\nr 16 sub No. 20, 2008, r 9\nrr 16A – 16B ins No. 20, 2008, r 9\nr 18 amd No. 20, 2008, r 10\nr 20 sub No. 20, 2008, r 11\nr 21 amd No. 20, 2008, r 12\nr 25 amd No. 20, 2008, r 16\npt 10 hdg ins No. 20, 2008, r 13\nr 46 ins No. 20, 2008, r 13\nsch 2 amd No. 20, 2008, r 14; Act No. 13, 2012, s 304\nsch 3 amd No. 20, 2008, r 15","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]},"summary":{"complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The regulations were originally made in 2005 but have been reprinted (REPA043R1) with a commencement date of 16/12/2021, strongly suggesting the scope and detail of the regulations have evolved over time through amendments. The 2021 commencement likely reflects updated provisions that may expand or refine the original regulatory framework, though without access to amendment history or an explanatory note, the precise nature of scope changes cannot be confirmed."},"complexity_factors":["Regulations operate as subordinate legislation beneath a parent Act, requiring readers to cross-reference both documents to understand the full legal picture","Technical subject matter involving chemical classifications, withholding periods, and licensing categories that require specialist knowledge to interpret","Multiple classes of affected persons (farmers, vets, contractors, suppliers) each with potentially different obligations","Interaction with Commonwealth agvet chemical registration scheme (APVMA) adds a federal regulatory layer","Limited metadata provided (no gazette number, made-by authority, or regulation number) making it difficult to verify currency or trace amendment history","Reprint designation (REPA043R1) suggests amendments have been made since 2005, meaning the current version may differ significantly from the original"],"plain_english_summary":"These regulations implement the Act’s practical rules for the safe use, handling, storage and application of agricultural and veterinary chemicals in Queensland. They apply to farmers, graziers, veterinarians, contractors, suppliers and anyone who handles these products.\n\nBy requiring proper authorisation, records, withholding periods and restrictions around sensitive areas, the rules protect food safety, human and animal health, and the environment — and impose penalties for misuse."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The Regulations remain focused on controlling the use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals, but they have expanded in scope and technical detail since the original instrument. Amendments (noted in the endnotes) added and refined: (a) detailed fertiliser manufacture/sale rules (labelling, element minimums, delivery dockets and harmful‑ingredient ceilings) in Part 6–7 and Schedule 1–2; (b) administrative mechanisms and discretionary authorisations for restricted and S7 chemicals (regs 16–18 and Schedule 2) and their interaction with the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2012; and (c) an explicit infringement notice framework with specified expiation amounts (Part 9 and Schedule 3). These additions move the instrument from a higher‑level control‑of‑use regime toward a more prescriptive regulatory package that governs product composition, labelling, sampling/testing standards and administrative authorisation processes, increasing the regulatory reach into manufacturing, selling and record-keeping practices beyond only applicator conduct."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple Parts and Divisions (10 Parts, several Divisions) covering distinct subject-matter (use, licences, fertilisers, residues, enforcement).","Around 20+ defined or specially-used terms in regulation 3 (AOAC, APVMA, approved testing method/course, element, harmful ingredient, lime, neutralising value, etc.).","Cross-references to external instruments and standards (APVMA MRL Standard, AOAC methods, Codex sampling guidance, AS 2706) that update over time and are incorporated by reference (regs 4, 36–38).","Discretionary regulatory powers and reviewable decisions (Chemicals Coordinator may declare prescribed products, approve courses/methods, and grant/ refuse authorisations; see regs 4–5, 8, 16B, 18).","Nested conditions and exceptions (e.g. fertiliser Part applies only where element ≥ minimum percentage content and containers ≥25 kg or bulk; exemptions list at reg 23).","Detailed, high-cardinality record-keeping requirements (reg 11 lists many fields to capture for each use) and varying retention rules (2 years for many records).","Differentiated offence and penalty scheme with schedules and differing prescribed expiation amounts for natural persons and corporations (Part 9 and Schedule 3).","Schedules that attach substantive content (minimum element % in Schedule 1; persons authorised for restricted products in Schedule 2; infringement amounts in Schedule 3).","Interplay with other Territory and Commonwealth Acts (references to the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act, Civil Aviation Act for aerial operator certificates, and Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act — requires cross-Act compliance)."],"plain_english_summary":"**What these Regulations do, in plain English**\n\n- These Regulations set out rules for who can have, use, apply and sell agricultural and veterinary chemical products in the Northern Territory, and how those activities must be recorded and labelled. (See Parts 2–5, Part 6 and Schedules.)\n\n- They require licences, training and authorisations for certain activities. Examples: ground spray operators and aerial spraying businesses and pilots must hold specified licences or ratings; some hazardous products require a specific authorisation (an \"S7 authorisation\" or a restricted chemical product authorisation) before a person may possess or use them. (See regs 9, 16–18, 19–21.)\n\n- They impose detailed record-keeping obligations on users of agricultural and veterinary chemicals. Records must capture the who/what/when/where/how of every application (product name and APVMA registration number, rate applied, method, location, weather, withholding period, client, etc.) and must generally be retained for two years. Records must be signed and dated. (See regs 11–15, 13(2).)\n\n- They control aerial spraying equipment and operations: aircraft spray nozzles must have leak‑proof cut‑off valves; aerial spraying must use visible smoke devices or windsocks to assist pilots. (See reg 7(1)–(2).)\n\n- They regulate manufacture and sale of fertilisers sold in larger packages or bulk, setting labelling requirements (including element names and percentage contents where elements are present at or above defined minimums), delivery docket rules for bulk/custom mixes, and disclosure for phosphatic fertilisers. (See Parts 6 Divs 1–2, regs 22–32 and Schedule 1.)\n\n- They set maximum permitted concentrations of specific harmful ingredients (cadmium, lead, mercury) in fertilisers (with different limits depending on fertiliser type). (See regs 33–34.)\n\n- They adopt maximum residue limits (MRLs) for chemical residues in agricultural produce by reference to the APVMA MRL Standard and set the sampling and testing methods to determine compliance (Codex/ AOAC/AS standards referenced). If no MRL exists for a substance, it must not be present. (See regs 35–38 and reg 4 for testing-method rules.)\n\n- They create an infringement notice scheme: authorised chemical advisers may issue notices and set prescribed expiation amounts for many contraventions. The notices follow the Territory's general Fines and Penalties (Recovery) process. (See Part 9 and Schedule 3.)\n\n- Administrative powers: the Chemicals Coordinator (the Territory official named in the Act) may publish notices in the Gazette to declare prescribed products, approve testing methods and training courses, and grant or refuse authorisations; many decisions are reviewable. (See regs 4–5, 8, 16B, 18 and reg 46.)\n\nWhy it matters (official rationale and practical effects)\n\n- The Regulations are framed to manage health, safety, environmental and trade risks from chemical use: by restricting access to certain chemicals, requiring licensing and training, requiring records and labelling, and enforcing residue limits and harmful‑ingredient ceilings. The regulatory instruments cited (APVMA MRL Standard, Codex, AOAC) aim to align local rules to national and international scientific/testing standards. (See regs 36–38, 4.)\n\nHow the Regulations change behaviour and who bears costs\n\n- Who pays or acts: manufacturers and sellers pay for compliance with labelling and harmful‑ingredient limits (Parts 6–7); spray operators and pilots must obtain licences and training and keep records (Parts 2–5); users of certain restricted or S7 chemicals must obtain authorisations and demonstrate competence (regs 16–18). Purchasers of bulk or custom fertiliser must receive delivery dockets. Failure to comply attracts penalties or infringement notices (penalty units specified throughout and in Schedule 3).\n\n- Immediate private behaviour changes include: training and licensing of staff; changes to packaging and delivery procedures; enhanced record systems (paper or electronic) for spray events and veterinary treatments; testing and certification for residues or fertiliser composition; and avoided use of banned or restricted chemicals where authorisation is denied.\n\nCosts, incentives and trade‑offs to note\n\n- Compliance costs: training, licence fees (where applicable), record‑keeping systems, laboratory testing, label redesign, and reformulation or alternative sourcing if harmful‑ingredient limits or authorisations restrict products.\n\n- Market effects: the MRL and residue rules are trade‑facing (they protect domestic and export market access), but they also impose monitoring costs on producers; the fertiliser labelling and ingredient ceilings affect manufacturers and dealers supplying bulk fertiliser.\n\n- Discretion and reviewability: many key decisions (granting/refusing authorisations, declaring prescribed products, approving testing methods or courses) rest with the Chemicals Coordinator and are reviewable, which concentrates decision power in the regulator and creates administrative discretion and procedural burdens for applicants. (See regs 4–5, 8, 16B(3), 18(5).)\n\n- Enforcement and deterrence: the infringement scheme gives authorised officers a fast penalty path; courts still retain the power to impose higher penalties. (See Part 9 and Schedule 3.)\n\nImplementation risks and practical points\n\n- Small operators (growers, small spraying contractors) face proportionally higher overheads from training, record‑keeping and labelling obligations.\n- The regulations rely on external standards (APVMA MRL Standard, AOAC, Codex and AS) which update over time; that keeps scientific alignment but requires ongoing adjustment by regulated parties.\n\nSources in the Regulations: see reg numbers cited above for the specific legal mechanics (licences and authorisations in regs 16–21; record‑keeping regs 11–15; fertiliser rules regs 22–34; MRLs regs 35–38; infringement scheme Part 9 and Schedule 3)."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation appears consistent with its original purpose of controlling agricultural and veterinary chemical use. While it has been amended several times (notably in 2008 to restructure parts and add infringement notice provisions), the scope remains focused on chemical control, licensing, fertiliser standards, and residue management. The 2008 amendments added administrative efficiencies (infringement notices) and clarified authorisation processes without expanding into unrelated policy areas."},"complexity_factors":["Moderate cross-referencing to external standards: the MRL Standard (APVMA), AOAC testing methods, Codex Alimentarius sampling methods, AS 2706-1984, and the Civil Aviation Act 1988","Nested conditional logic in fertiliser harmful ingredient limits (regulation 34) with 5 different categories for lead alone, plus distinctions between phosphatic/non-phosphatic/trace element fertilisers","Multiple overlapping authorisation schemes: restricted chemical products (Part 3), S7 authorisations (Part 4), ground spray licences (Part 5), and pilot licences, each with different application requirements and conditions","Detailed record-keeping specifications in regulation 11 listing 15 separate data points required for agricultural chemical use records","Incorporation of Schedule-based offences with variable penalty units depending on whether the offender is a natural person or body corporate (Schedule 3)","Definition-heavy structure with 14 defined terms in regulation 3, plus additional definitions embedded throughout (e.g., 'horticultural crop', 'public authority', 'trace element fertiliser')","Interaction with multiple other Acts: Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2012, Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth), Fines and Penalties (Recovery) Act 2001"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this legislation does:**\n\nThese Regulations set the rules for how agricultural and veterinary chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, animal medicines, etc.) and fertilisers can be used, stored, sold, and recorded in the Northern Territory. They operate under the main Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 2004.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n\n*   **Farmers and graziers** – must keep detailed records when spraying crops or treating animals, and ensure chemical residues in produce don't exceed legal limits.\n*   **Professional spray operators** – both ground-based and aerial pilots need licences, specific training, and must follow strict equipment and safety rules (like using smoke generators during aerial spraying to show wind direction).\n*   **Fertiliser manufacturers and sellers** – must label products correctly, declare harmful ingredients (like cadmium or lead), and meet minimum nutrient standards.\n*   **Veterinarians and animal handlers** – non-veterinarians treating food-producing animals must keep records of what medicines were used and when.\n*   **Anyone handling dangerous chemicals** – \"S7\" poisons and restricted chemical products (like 1080 bait or endosulfan) require special authorisation from the Chemicals Coordinator.\n\n**Key requirements:**\n\n*   **Record-keeping:** Detailed logs of chemical use (what, where, when, weather conditions, withholding periods) must be kept for 2 years.\n*   **Licensing:** Ground spray operators and aerial spraying businesses need licences; pilots need chemical ratings and Spraysafe certification.\n*   **Safety equipment:** Aerial spraying aircraft must have leak-proof cut-off valves and use smoke generators or windsocks during application.\n*   **Fertiliser standards:** Labels must show nutrient content; harmful ingredients like cadmium are capped at specific limits.\n*   **Residue limits:** Agricultural produce sold for human or animal consumption must not exceed maximum residue limits set by the national APVMA standard.\n*   **Enforcement:** Chemical advisers can issue on-the-spot fines (infringement notices) for offences, with penalties ranging from 1 to 25 penalty units depending on the violation.\n\n**Why it matters:**\n\nThese rules protect human health, prevent environmental contamination, ensure food safety for domestic and export markets, and make sure dangerous chemicals are only handled by competent, authorised people. The record-keeping requirements also create an audit trail if something goes wrong—like chemical drift onto neighbouring properties or residue violations in exported beef or mangoes."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/agricultural-and-veterinary-chemicals-control-of-use-regulations-2005","history":"/api/acts/agricultural-and-veterinary-chemicals-control-of-use-regulations-2005/history","analysis":"/api/acts/agricultural-and-veterinary-chemicals-control-of-use-regulations-2005/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/agricultural-and-veterinary-chemicals-control-of-use-regulations-2005/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/agricultural-and-veterinary-chemicals-control-of-use-regulations-2005/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/agricultural-and-veterinary-chemicals-control-of-use-regulations-2005/documents"}}