The APVMA is established under the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Administration) Act 1992 (Administration Act). The Administration Act sets out our role to administer the National Registration Scheme for Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals in partnership with state and territory governments, and the scheme’s legislation.

Functions and powers are conferred on the APVMA by the Administration Act, the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code (Agvet Code) scheduled to the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994, the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Regulations 1995 (Agvet Code Regulations), and the Agvet Codes and Agvet Regulations of each state or participating territory.

We are a corporate Commonwealth entity under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act). A corporate Commonwealth entity is a corporate body that is legally separate from the Commonwealth.