17-3304 Mariner Avenue Tiyan Barrigada, Guam 96913
671.300.4751 671.300.4752
nic.rupley@epa.guam.gov

COVID-19: For Guam Importers of Disinfectants and Sanitizing Substances

For Guam Importers of Disinfectants and Sanitizing Substances – NOA Download

Guam EPA reminds all importers of disinfectants and sanitizing substances to consult with our Pesticides Enforcement Program PRIOR to the importation of any product or device that makes a claim to prevent, kill, destroy, repel or mitigate pests, including bacteria and viruses.

A Notice of Arrival form (NOA) must be completed and submitted to Guam EPA 10 DAYS PRIOR to the importation of these products or devices. The NOA form can be downloaded HERE.

This reminder is in accordance with the Guam Pesticides Act, codified in 10GCA §50112, which states: An importer desiring to import any pesticides or devices as defined in this Act into Guam shall submit to the Administrator a completed Agencyʼs Notice of Arrival form prior to the arrival of the shipment. Upon receipt, the Administrator shall complete said form, indicating the disposition to be made of the shipment of pesticides or devices upon its arrival in Guam and shall return the form to the importer or his agent. Pesticide means any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any pest; any substances or mixture of substances intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant or desiccant. Examples of pesticides are insecticides use to kill bugs on plants, rat poisons, mosquito coil, disinfectants, bleach, and repellents.

U.S. EPA Releases List of Disinfectants to Use Against COVID-19DOWNLOAD HERE

WASHINGTON (March 5, 2020) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a list of EPA-registered disinfectant products that have qualified for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

“Using the correct disinfectant is an important part of preventing and reducing the spread of illnesses along with other critical aspects such as hand washing,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “There is no higher priority for the Trump Administration than protecting the health and safety of Americans. EPA is providing this important information in a public and transparent manner on disinfectant products to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

Products appearing on EPA’s list registered disinfectant products have qualified for use against COVID-19 through the agency’s Emerging Viral Pathogen program. This program allows product manufacturers to provide EPA with data, even in advance of an outbreak, that shows their products are effective against harder-to-kill viruses than SARS-CoV-2. It also allows additional communications intended to inform the public about the utility of these products against the emerging pathogen in the most expeditious manner.

Coronaviruses are enveloped viruses, meaning they are one of the easiest types of viruses to kill with the appropriate disinfectant product. Consumers using these disinfectants on an enveloped emerging virus should follow the directions for use on the product’s master label, paying close attention to the contact time for the product on the treated surface (i.e., how long the disinfectant should remain on the surface).

To view the list of EPA-registered disinfectant products, visit www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

Background:

EPA’s Emerging Viral Pathogen Guidance was developed and finalized in 2016 to allow for a rapid response in the event of an emerging viral pathogen outbreak. It was triggered for the first time ever for SARS-CoV-2 on January 29, 2020. The guidance outlines a voluntary, pre-approval process for making emerging viral pathogens claims. In the event of an outbreak, companies with pre-approved products can make off-label claims (for example in technical literature, non-label-related websites, and social media) for use against the outbreak virus. 

Accessibility Toolbar