Neem Oil Next Off Shelves
While neem oil has been sold as a natural pesticide in the U.S. and other countries, it is not a registered pesticide in Canada and cannot be sold as such. Instead, garden and plant products containing neem oil have been marketed as "leaf shine" formulas in this country.
Explains Martin Tomkin, Director General (Compliance, Lab Services, and Regional Operations), PMRA "requires that all neem-based products manufactured, imported, sold, promoted, and or used in Canada for direct or indirect pest control purposes must be registered under the Pest Control Products Act (PCPA). This includes all products that contain neem oil and / or the active ingredient azadirachtin (e.g. leaf shine products)."
Tomkin goes on to say that after December 31, 2012, the PMRA will begin to take appropriate enforcement measures relating to the importation, distribution, sale or advertising for sale, of unregistered neem-based products.
