U.S Code last checked for updates: Nov 23, 2024
§ 136g.
Inspection of establishments, etc.
(a)
In general
(1)
For purposes of enforcing the provisions of this subchapter, officers or employees of the Environmental Protection Agency or of any State duly designated by the Administrator are authorized to enter at reasonable times (A) any establishment or other place where pesticides or devices are held for distribution or sale for the purpose of inspecting and obtaining samples of any pesticides or devices, packaged, labeled, and released for shipment, and samples of any containers or labeling for such pesticides or devices, or (B) any place where there is being held any pesticide the registration of which has been suspended or canceled for the purpose of determining compliance with section 136q of this title.
(2)
Before undertaking such inspection, the officers or employees must present to the owner, operator, or agent in charge of the establishment or other place where pesticides or devices are held for distribution or sale, appropriate credentials and a written statement as to the reason for the inspection, including a statement as to whether a violation of the law is suspected. If no violation is suspected, an alternate and sufficient reason shall be given in writing. Each such inspection shall be commenced and completed with reasonable promptness. If the officer or employee obtains any samples, prior to leaving the premises, the officer or employee shall give to the owner, operator, or agent in charge a receipt describing the samples obtained and, if requested, a portion of each such sample equal in volume or weight to the portion retained. If an analysis is made of such samples, a copy of the results of such analysis shall be furnished promptly to the owner, operator, or agent in charge.
(b)
Warrants
For purposes of enforcing the provisions of this subchapter and upon a showing to an officer or court of competent jurisdiction that there is reason to believe that the provisions of this subchapter have been violated, officers or employees duly designated by the Administrator are empowered to obtain and to execute warrants authorizing—
(1)
entry, inspection, and copying of records for purposes of this section or section 136f of this title;
(2)
inspection and reproduction of all rec­ords showing the quantity, date of shipment, and the name of consignor and consignee of any pesticide or device found in the establishment which is adulterated, misbranded, not registered (in the case of a pesticide) or otherwise in violation of this subchapter and in the event of the inability of any person to produce records containing such information, all other records and information relating to such delivery, movement, or holding of the pesticide or device; and
(3)
the seizure of any pesticide or device which is in violation of this subchapter.
(c)
Enforcement
(1)
Certification of facts to Attorney General
(2)
Notice not required
(3)
Warning notices
(June 25, 1947, ch. 125, § 9, as added Pub. L. 92–516, § 2, Oct. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 988; amended Pub. L. 100–532, title III, § 302, Oct. 25, 1988, 102 Stat. 2669; Pub. L. 102–237, title X, § 1006(b)(1), (3)(H), (I), Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1895, 1896.)
cite as: 7 USC 136g