Not all mosquito coils are fit for import—BECQ

Many members of the community have imported or requested family and friends from overseas to send mosquito coils to make sleeping in the heat, without power, more bearable. However, not all mosquito coils are legal for importation in the CNMI.

To date, the Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality has confiscated a high volume of mosquito coils imported from foreign countries. The agency is working with the importers and/or consignees to have these items returned to the country of origin.

A pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest. Mosquito coils as well as many household products are pesticides and can include kitchen, laundry, and bath disinfectants and sanitizers. Products that kill mold and mildew are also considered pesticides. 

Products that may be imported or sold in the CNMI are legal products that are registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and are properly labeled in the English language.

All pesticides must be labeled with the name of the pesticide in bold letters, restricted use designation, description of which pests are controlled, chemical name of pesticide, active ingredients and percentages, inert ingredients, EPA registration number, patent numbers, directions for proper use, and appropriate signal words such as caution, warning or danger poison. If it is missing any of these components, it is a misbranded pesticide. Misbranded pesticides also refer to products that bear any statement, design, or graphic representation that is false or misleading. Products cannot be translated and then re-labeled. The label itself must be the original packaging.

The Division of Environmental Quality’s Pesticide Management branch is charged with the responsibility to regulate the importation, sale and distribution of pesticides, legal or illegal, to ensure public health and a clean and healthy environment. DEQ staff regularly inspects business establishments for any misbranded products. Should misbranded items be found, all misbranded pesticides will be confiscated and penalties may be assessed.

The CNMI Pesticide Regulations are available to any interested party. Call or visit the Division of Environmental Quality Pesticide Management branch at 664-8512, located along Chalan Pale Arnold at the Gualo Rai Center or visit the DEQ website at www.deq.gov.mp. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4:30pm. (BECQ)