Guidance on IR-4 Exemptions

• Eligibility for an IR-4 registration service fee exemption
• Application procedures to qualify for the service fee exemption
• Applicability of the 21-day initial content screen
• Common issues when developing these submissions
• Starting the decision-review period
• For more information

Eligibility for an Inter-Regional Project Number 4 (IR-4) Registration Service Fee Exemption

An application would be exempt from registration service fees if the Agency determines that the application:

• is solely associated with a tolerance petition submitted in connection with IR–4  and
• an exemption from registration service fees is in the public interest.

​See Policy for IR-4 Public Interest Findings.

If the application is for a non-food use, which does not require a tolerance, the application is not eligible for an IR-4 exemption. However, an application may be considered under the  "minor use" provisions of FIFRA, or under the "small business waiver" provisions of FIFRA.

• Full text of FIFRA (PDF) (168 pp, 444 K, About PDF) (The published version of U.S. Code Title 7, Chapter 6, Subchapter II, Section 136w-8 has not yet been updated to reflect the PRIA 4 pesticide registration fee tables enacted into law on March 8, 2019. This link will be updated to direct users to Section 33 as updated by PRIA 4, once Section 138w-8 has been revised to incorporate PRIA 4 amendments to FIFRA Section 33.)
  • Minor use provisions (FIFRA Section 33(b)(7)(D)) –  on page 156 of file
  • Small business waiver (FIFRA Section 33(b)(7)(F))  – on page 157 of file

Application Procedures to Qualify for the Service Fee Exemption

Initial Application

The registration request must be submitted in the same application with the IR-4 tolerance petition. If the registration request or petition is delayed, EPA will determine that the registration request is not solely associated with an IR-4 tolerance petition and a registration service fee will be due. The registration application must be accompanied by the notice of filing for the tolerance petition. 

Amended Applications

Any changes to the application will require a new application that will be subject to a PRIA fee unless the original application and petition are withdrawn and then submitted again with a request for an IR-4 exemption.

Using EPA Form 8570-1, Application for Pesticide Registration

To request an IR-4 exemption, include the following statement in the "Explanation" box of Section II:

"This application is being submitted with a tolerance petition submitted in connection with IR-4. I request that EPA exempt the registration service fee for this application under the IR-4 exemption provisions at FIFRA Section 33(b)(7)(E)."

Also in this section, reference the commodities that are the subject of the IR-4 petition.

Applicability of the 21-day Initial Content Screen

• An application must contain all the necessary forms, data, and draft labeling, formatted in accordance with guidance published by the Agency. 
• If it does not, corrections to the application must be made by the end of the 21 days, beginning the day the exemption is granted. 
• If EPA rejects an application and you wish the Agency to consider your application again, you must submit a new application. 
• To qualify for the IR-4 exemption, the IR-4 tolerance petition must be withdrawn and then submitted simultaneously with the new application.

Common Issues when Developing These Submissions

• A Section 3 label amendment must reflect the application rates and the formulations used in the IR-4 field residue trials.
• Requests to change the use directions or the formulation submitted after the submission of the IR-4 petition do not qualify for a PRIA exemption since the requests will not be solely associated with submission of the IR-4 petition.
• Any requests to change/add formulations, REI, PPE, PHI, use rate, number of applications, or add aerial application after the submission of the original application will constitute a new request and will be subject to PRIA fees. 
• The Notice of Filing (NOF) provided by the registrant and submitted by IR-4 must list the same commodities and proposed tolerance levels listed in section “F” of the IR-4 petition request.
  • EPA will only be able to establish tolerances for commodities that were proposed in the Federal Register and discussed in the NOF. 
• The Agency encourages registrants to work with IR-4 to ensure that applications are complete when the Agency receives them.

Starting the Decision Review Period

The decision review period will begin on the date the exemption is granted. Applicants will be notified by mail when the exemption has been granted.

For More Information

The IR-4 Program has agreed to coordinate the submission of requests for IR-4 exemptions. If you have any questions, contact:

Registration Manager
IR-4 Project Headquarters
Phone: (919) 515-1552
E-mail: [email protected]