What products does ADAMA sell and formulate that contain chlorpyrifos?
Chlorpyrifos 4E Ag (ceased production 2021)
Previously Vulcan (ceased production 2020)
What action did EPA take?
US EPA previously issued a Final Rule cancelling all food crop tolerances for chlorpyrifos effective February 28, 2022, essentially banning its use after that date. On May 4, 2023, the US EPA published the Final Cancellation Order for the impacted products. At the same time, the EPA authorized ADAMA to proceed with accepting return shipments according to an approved return plan.
What happens if a grower or a distributor has product in their possession after February 28, 2022? Can distribution or retail return unused/unsold product?
As of May 1, 2023, we are implementing a return program as authorized by the US EPA of ADAMA chlorpyrifos products that remain in the channel with our distribution partners. Distribution will need to coordinate with their retail locations and grower customers to collect unused product for return and disposal. ADAMA will coordinate and arrange for pick-up at distributor locations with our third-party logistics company, BlueGrace Logistics, LLC. Retailers should contact their distribution partner to discuss instructions for returning to that distributor.
Will ADAMA cover the cost for product returns?
ADAMA will cover costs for chlorpyrifos product returns if the customer has provided the necessary quantity to be returned and consolidated it to a single location for pickup by our contracted transporter.
How long do customers have to return any chlorpyrifos in the channel?
ADAMA has provided customers with the following timeline for returns to expedite the process.
- Week of May 1st, 2023: Customer notification
- Week of May 29th, 2023: Customer to send completed Product Return Sheet
- Week of June 5th, 2023: ADAMA Customer Service determines pickup logistics
- Week of June 19th, 2023: ADAMA Customer Service notifies return contact of pickup date
- Weeks of June 26th through July 17th, 2023: Product picked up from customer location
- Weeks of July 24th through August 7th, 2023”: Product incineration
- Week of August 14th, 2023: EPA notified of completion of return program and product disposal
What happens if a customer finds some unreturned product after the above timeline?
If a customer finds it has additional product to return, they should contact their ADAMA Strategic Account Lead or Regional Account Manager or they can contact ADAMA Customer Service at ordergroup@adama.com or at 866-406-6262
What about non-ADAMA chlorpyrifos products?
If a distribution customer has other chlorpyrifos products that are not ADAMA products, they should contact that product’s registrant for more information on product returns.
Can a customer return partially used product?
Yes. If a case is available, the individual jugs should be placed in it for return. If no case is available, ADAMA will provide an overpack (fiber drum) and label to print and apply to the drum for returning. Contact ADAMA Customer Service at ordergroup@adama.com or 866-406-6262 to obtain drums.
How are containers handled that were previously opened and/or contain partial product volumes?
If you have totes, please weigh, and report the gals. If you have open 2.5s, ADAMA will provide a fiber drum for you to return the ADAMA products in. Contact ADAMA Customer Service at ordergroup@adama.com or 866-406-6262 to obtain drums.
Who should a customer contact if they need assistance regarding their chlorpyrifos product return?
The customer can reach out to ADAMA Customer Service at ordergroup@adama.com or 866-406-6262 if they are in need of support or have questions regarding the return process. Customer Service is coordinating the return process. Additionally, customers may also reach out to their Strategic Account Lead or Regional Account Manager for questions as they arise.
Will the Department of Transportation (DOT) allow transportation of the product?
Yes. The EPA allows for transportation of ADAMA chlorpyrifos products (including partials) under the ADAMA return program. If customers follow the ADAMA process, they will be compliant and able to transport chlorpyrifos for collection and disposal.
What DOT regulations apply? Can customers use existing DOT statements?
There are no changes in classifications so existing statements are valid if it is for ADAMA product returns.
How are individual jugs to be shipped since they do not have DOT statements on the jugs?
If a case is available, the individual jugs should be placed in it for return. If no case is available, ADAMA will provide an overpack (fiber drum) and label to print and apply to the drum for returning. Contact ADAMA Customer Service at ordergroup@adama.com or 866-406-6262 to obtain drums.
Are we allowed only one pick-up location?
ADAMA will pick up from distributor locations. Any consolidation, where possible, in the number of locations is greatly appreciated.
Will ADAMA be picking up from individual retail locations?
Per the EPA-approved return program, ADAMA will coordinate and arrange for pick-up at distributor locations with our third-party logistics company, BlueGrace Logistics, LLC. Retailers should contact their distribution partner to discuss instructions for returning to that distributor.
Should retailers be taking returns from growers?
Growers can take ADAMA chlorpyrifos products to the retailer they purchased from for return to the distributor partner the product was purchased from. ADAMA will pick up from the distribution partner and dispose of the product appropriately. If needed, ADAMA can provide fiber drums for open/partial product returns. Contact ADAMA Customer Service at ordergroup@adama.com or 866-406-6262 to obtain drums.
Where can I get the Return Process Sheet which needs to be filled out?
If you have not received your account's Product Return Sheet, you can fill one out here.
Is there a download of the FAQs available?
Yes - you can download a PDF here.