Amazon Settles for Nearly $5 Million in California Pesticide Case
Announced in early November, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) reached a $4.97 million settlement with Amazon.com Services, LLC.
Violations included Amazon selling unregistered pesticides in California, failing to report and pay required mill assessment fees associated with the sale of registered pesticides in California, and failing to hold a valid pesticide broker’s license.
As announced by DPR, Amazon will pay $3.69 million in unpaid pesticide sales assessment fees and related late penalties, and $1.28 million in civil penalties associated with retail sales of unregistered pesticides into California.
“It is critical that those selling pesticides in California, especially companies with Amazon’s resources, reach and influence, comply with pesticide laws that protect the health of all Californians and our environment,” said DPR Director Julie Henderson. “DPR’s action should send a message to all pesticide sellers, including online sellers, that California will take action to protect the health and safety of its people and environment.”
Under California law, pesticides that are registered by EPA also must be registered by the state before they are used, possessed, or offered for sale in California.
Amazon also agreed to register as a pesticide broker, and report and pay the mill assessment associated with all future retail sales of registered pesticides into California.
DPR details the mill assessment is charged at the first point of sale of a pesticide in California. Mill revenues go toward funding worker safety training, environmental monitoring and enforcement. The assessment also allows DPR to track pesticides sold into the state.
