Dimethylpolysiloxane in Pesticide Formulations: Exemption From Tolerance Requirement

The EPA has finalized a rule granting an exemption from the requirement to establish a maximum residue tolerance for methyl end-capped polydimethylsiloxane (CAS No. 63148-62-9), commonly known as dimethylpolysiloxane, when used as an inert ingredient in pesticide chemical formulations. This action was triggered by a petition filed by Momentive Performance Materials, Inc. under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). Under normal FFDCA rules, any pesticide chemical residue present in or on food or feed must have an established tolerance (a maximum permissible residue level) or an exemption. By granting this exemption under 40 CFR 180.960, the EPA is confirming that residues of this silicone-based compound do not require a numerical limit when the substance is used in accordance with the exemption's conditions. This regulation effectively removes a regulatory barrier for pesticide formulators who use dimethylpolysiloxane as an inert (non-active) ingredient — for example, as an anti-foaming or spreading agent — by eliminating the need to track, measure, or limit its residues on food and feed commodities.

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