On August 20, 2024, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) announced it will launch its electronic pesticide registration system, the California Pesticide Electronic Submission Tracking (CalPEST), on September 24, 2024. The launch of CalPEST will convert its paper-based pesticide registration process to a streamlined electronic system. According to DPR, it is conducting the final stages of testing and has identified areas for improvement in system functionality and security that must be addressed prior to launch. The original launch date of August 27, 2024, was updated to September 24, 2024. DPR states it will continue to collect submission before the launch of CalPEST.

CalPEST is a web-based software application designed to streamline DPR’s pesticide registration process. CalPEST will serve as a centralized hub, offering a “one-stop solution” for all aspects of the pesticide registration process, including amendments, renewals, inactivation, and any required payments for renewals, new pesticide products, amendments, and company changes. Payment features include ability to pay for applications and renewals through electronic fund transfers, credit card, or check payments.

Applicants with a registered CalPEST account will be able to:

• Electronically submit applications, including pesticide product labels and scientific studies;
• Electronically pay for renewals, new pesticide products, amendments, and company changes;
• Access detailed status updates associated with their submissions;
• Access evaluation reports associated with their submissions;
• Access accepted pesticide product labels associated with their submissions. Accepted product labels will have a detailed acceptance cover sheet appended as the first page of the product label in lieu of a stamp; and
• Generate a company product license whenever needed. The company product license will list all registered products at the time of generation.

DPR notes that upon launch, pesticide product applicants, including registrants and agents, will be able to register for a CalPEST account. DPR will issue a CalPEST user guide and instructional help videos on the CalPEST Page. DPR will continue to collect submissions before system launch, and staff will enter submissions directly, in the order that they were received, into CalPEST. Registrants may receive a CalPEST-generated e-mail notification but will not be able to act on the e-mail or register for an account until September 24, 2024.

Questions on the CalPEST system may be sent to CalPEST@cdpr.ca.gov.