The application must be supported by a very thorough data package documenting the effects of the pesticide on users, bystanders and the environment. A scientific evaluation of the product is performed by Health Canada. The scientific evaluation may take years, as the study includes long and short term health effects of the user, exposure to bystanders, residues in food, ground water contamination, effects on wildlife and environmental fate. A registration will be granted if the pesticide's safety, merit and value for the proposed use are found to be acceptable. If problems with the product are identified, registration will not be granted.
All products are subject to re-evaluation, with provision for suspension or cancellation.
If approval is given for the pesticide, the manufacturer will receive a PCP Act registration number which must be displayed on the product label. The pesticide label is a legal document and it is an offense to use any registered product inconsistently with the label directions. Every pesticide product sold must have a complete label. The label must identify the pesticide as Domestic, Commercial or Restricted. Domestic products are specifically manufactured for use by homeowners and present considerably less risk than those classified as Commercial or Restricted.