161.70—Acceptable protocols.
The Agency has published Pesticide Assessment Guidelines, as indicated in § 161.20(d), which contain suggested protocols for conducting tests to develop the data required by this part.
(a) General policy.
Any appropriate protocol may be used provided that it meets the purpose of the test standards specified in the guidelines and provides data of suitable quality and completeness as typified by the protocols cited in the guidelines. Applicants should use the test procedure which is most suitable for evaluation of the particular ingredient, mixture, or product. Accordingly, failure to follow a suggested protocol will not invalidate a test if another appropriate methodology is used.
(b) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Protocols.
Tests conducted in accordance with the requirements and recommendations of the applicable OECD protocols can be used to develop data necessary to meet the requirements specified in this part. Readers should note, however, that certain of the OECD recommended test standards, such as test duration and selection of test species, are less restrictive than those recommended by EPA. Therefore, when using the OECD protocols, care should be taken to observe the test standards in a manner such that the data generated by the study will satisfy the requirements of this part.
(c) Procedures for requesting advice on protocols.
Normally, all contact between the Agency and applicants or registrants is handled by the assigned Product Manager in the Registration Division of the Office of Pesticide Programs. Accordingly, questions concerning protocols should be directed, preferably in writing, to the Product Manager responsible for the registration or application which would be affected.