CA Message To Amazon: Pay Up, You’re A “Pesticide Broker”

In a settlement with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), Amazon.Com Services has agreed to pay a total of nearly $5 million. Of that total, $1.28 million is for civil penalties for retail sale of unregistered pesticides, and $3.69 million is for “unpaid pesticide sales assessment fees and related late fees,” says a PR release from the DPR.

“Assessment fees” refers to the so-called mill assessment, which is charged at the first point of sale of a pesticide in California, with the proceeds partially funding DRP programs that include worker safety training, environmental monitoring and enforcement. As part of the agreement, Amazon will register as a pesticide broker and pay the mill assessment on all future California sales of registered pesticides.

“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.”