Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the PFC?

The PFC is a new product from AERU that is distinct from its PPDB/BPDB but closely related. It is a database holding examples of the major commercial pesticide products focusing on their composition and formulation.

Q2. How is the PFC different to the PPDB/BPDB?

The PPDB and BPDB focus on pure active substances. Over the last year these databases have been expanded to include information on their commercial formulations (companies, brand names, production & climate impact) because this is how actives are used in practice and it is their formulation that drives the actual product (rather than just the active substances within it) environmental impact and toxicity. The PFC takes this commercial data to a higher level providing formulation (product type, resistance group, coformulants) and registration information on example products.

Q3. What are coformulants?

Coformulants are the substances combined with the active substance(s) within a commercial product to improve performance (e.g its efficacy, handling and stability). These substances include solvents, wetters, surfactants, anti-foaming agents, preservatives, stabiliser etc. Whilst these substances do not (normally) demonstrate any pesticidal activity they can still contribute to the products overall environmental impact and may be toxic in their own right.

Q4. Why is the coformulant data sparse or missing altogether?

Legal requirements regarding the public disclosure of pesticide product constituents vary significantly from one country to the next. Generally companies would rather not disclose composition as it is considered proprietary information. However, many countries have a legal requirements regarding the declaration of substances considered hazardous. Consequently, depending on the country the product is sold in, the coformulants listed in the PFC will often be incomplete or missing altogether. Those that are listed have been compiled from the SDS often from multiple countries and are examples of what might be present and not, necessarily, the exact product formulation.

Q6. How do I find all products listed for a particular active?

There are two options. (1) Use the PFC search tool entering the active substance name in the search box or (2) find the active substance in the PPDB/BPDB, navigate to the Commercial section of the record and the Example Brands parameter will display a dropdown box of all related brands with links to the PFC records.

Q7. How do I find similar products?

There is a section in each product record that displays other products containing the same active substances.

Q8. Why are there often more than one product with the same or very similar names?

There are several reasons. Similar names used by the same manufacturer (e.g. Affinity) usually mean the products are related. They may, for example, be different formulations or have an additional active in the formulation to improve efficacy or broaden the range of pests it controls. In other instances slight changes to product names may be given when different markets are targeted (e.g professional agriculture or amateur home gardeners). In some instances the same product name may not be trade-marked and consequently (possibly coincidently) used by different manufacturers for very different products (e.g. Hurricane). This is why it is important to check the manufacturer/supplier name and registration numbers when identifying a product.

Q9. Why are multiple company names sometimes given?

Many different companies may be involved in the marketing of a pesticide product - manufacturers, registrants, suppliers and marketing companies and these can vary from one country to the next.

Q10. How often is the PFC updated?

The PFC is very new and is expanding rapidly. Like the PPDB and BPDB it is being updated continuously. The PFC website will be refreshed several times each week.

Q11. How can I obtain a copy of the database?

A copy of the PFC as an MS database or MS Excel spreadsheet can be obtained under licence from AERU. Please contact us for details and prices..

Q12. I am a manufacturer/supplier how can I correct, expand or add data or request other products are added?

Errors can be corrected free of charge by completing the Error Report form. Basic new product data can also be added free of charge but is added to an internal update list to be added to the PFC when time allows. A modest admin fee is payable to jump the queue. Addition data/information beyond the basic product record (e.g links to company product websites, downloadable brochures etc) can also be added to a record but is considered advertising and subject to a fee. Contact us for more information.

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