Second-Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs)

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SGAR Reevaluation

On November 16, 2018, after investigating reported non-target wildlife exposure, the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) issued a notice of proposed decision to begin reevaluation of pesticide products containing the second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide (SGAR) active ingredients brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum, and difethialone. DPR accepted comments on the proposed decision until January 16, 2019. On March 12, 2019, DPR issued a notice of its final decision to begin reevaluation of SGARs along with response and summary of the received 17,000 comments. The reevaluation is based on DPR’s investigation of reported non-target wildlife exposure to SGARs.

Related Legislation

On September 29, 2020, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1788 (Chapter 250, Statues of 2020) to prohibit uses of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) due to their threat to mountain lions and other wildlife. Effective January 1, 2021, AB 1788 prohibits the use of SGARs statewide until the DPR Director certifies completion of its SGAR reevaluation and its development, in consultation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and implementation, of use restrictions necessary to protect wildlife.

In March 2019, DPR initiated the reevaluation of SGARs to address non-target wildlife exposure. Since initiating the reevaluation, DPR reviewed scientific studies on links between SGAR use and non-target wildlife exposure, and will evaluate options for mitigating associated risks. The passage of AB 1788 emphasizes the importance of this work, and DPR is committed to a timely completion of the reevaluation.

Although AB 1788 generally prohibits use of SGARs, there are limited exemptions for specified activities, such as agriculture, and use in locations necessary for public health and safety. Federal and State laws and regulations applicable to allowed uses must continue to be followed. Guidance on permitted uses of SGARs under AB 1788 is available on the Enforcement Branch Web page titled New Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticide Prohibitions and Allowed Uses – Questions and Answers (ENF 2020-20).

Signed October 4, 2021, AB 1298 (Chapter 479, Statues of 2021) is meant to revise a specific Food and Agricultural Code section created in 2020 by AB 1788 relative to determinations by the CDFW. By moving the statement from 12978(g) to section (e), the requirement for CDFW to make a determination on the DPR Reevaluation decision is removed and the law now provides a similar prohibition exemption where CDFW determines SGARs are necessary. This change is effective January 1, 2022. Further guidance on this change and clarification on intended interpretation is available on the Enforcement Branch Web page titled Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides – Revised Law and Updates to Allowed Uses (ENF 21-13).

Neither AB 1788 nor AB 1298 changes the registration status of SGAR products, requirements for SGAR registrants or the annual registration renewal of SGAR products. Per California Notice 2018-01, while SGARs are under reevaluation, DPR will not approve any labels that expand their use through label amendments or new registrations.

The text of AB 1788 can be found at California Legislative Information website.

The text of AB 1298 can be found at California Legislative Information website.

For any questions regarding AB 1788 or AB 1298, please contact DPR’s Executive Office at (916) 445-4000.

Other Information



For content questions, contact:
Elana Varner
1001 I Street, P. O. Box 4015
Sacramento, CA 95812-4015
Phone: (916) 445-4003
E-mail: Elana.Varner@cdpr.ca.gov