Indiana Administrative Code Title 355 - STATE CHEMIST OF THE STATE OF INDIANA
Indiana Administrative Code – Title 355
State Chemist of the State of Indiana
Title 355 establishes the authority, responsibilities, and regulatory framework for the Office of the State Chemist (often abbreviated OISC). This office oversees the control, testing, regulation, and enforcement of agricultural and chemical substances in Indiana.
It is a technical and regulatory body, housed at Purdue University, with authority to implement and enforce Indiana’s agricultural chemical laws.
1. Structure and Role
The State Chemist is the chief authority under this Title.
The office is responsible for ensuring safe and legal use of agricultural chemicals in Indiana.
Functions include:
Licensing & certification of pesticide applicators, fertilizer handlers, and related businesses.
Inspection & sampling of agricultural products, pesticides, and fertilizers.
Laboratory testing for quality, strength, and safety.
Enforcement of violations such as mislabeling, adulteration, or unsafe handling.
2. Key Regulatory Areas
Title 355 rules are divided into specific parts, each covering a subject matter under the State Chemist’s authority.
a) Pesticide Regulation
Registration of pesticides before sale or distribution.
Licensing and certification of commercial and private applicators.
Safety standards for mixing, storage, transportation, and application.
Recordkeeping requirements for pesticide use.
b) Fertilizer and Plant Food Control
Standards for manufacturing, labeling, and selling fertilizers.
Registration of fertilizer products.
Enforcement against misbranded or adulterated fertilizers.
Environmental safety rules for nutrient management (especially nitrogen & phosphorus).
c) Animal Feeds
Regulation of commercial feed for livestock and pets.
Labeling standards for guaranteed analysis (protein, fat, fiber, minerals, etc.).
Testing for contamination, adulteration, or nutritional deficiency.
Licensing of feed distributors.
d) Seeds
Oversight of agricultural and garden seed labeling.
Testing for germination rates, purity, and weed seed content.
Enforcement against false labeling.
e) Agricultural Ammonia & Anhydrous Ammonia
Rules for the safe handling, storage, and transport of anhydrous ammonia.
Certification of ammonia equipment and facilities.
Inspection programs to ensure public and environmental safety.
3. Licensing & Certification
Title 355 requires individuals and businesses in regulated areas (pesticides, fertilizers, feed, seed, ammonia) to be licensed or certified.
Renewal procedures, fees, and continuing education standards are specified.
The State Chemist may revoke, suspend, or refuse licenses for violations.
4. Inspections & Enforcement
The State Chemist’s office has authority to:
Enter and inspect businesses, farms, warehouses, and vehicles.
Collect samples of pesticides, fertilizers, feeds, seeds, or ammonia.
Conduct laboratory analysis.
Violations may result in:
Administrative penalties (fines, license suspension).
Stop-sale, stop-use, or removal orders.
Civil or criminal referrals for serious violations.
5. Laboratory & Testing Authority
The State Chemist operates an official laboratory.
Functions include:
Testing chemical products for compliance.
Supporting enforcement cases with scientific evidence.
Conducting research in chemical safety, agriculture, and environmental protection.
6. Recordkeeping & Reporting
Regulated parties must maintain accurate records of:
Pesticide applications.
Fertilizer sales and distribution.
Feed manufacturing batches.
Reports must be submitted to the State Chemist upon request.
7. Hearings & Appeals
When violations are alleged, the office may:
Provide notice of violation.
Conduct administrative hearings.
Allow appeals before final enforcement action.
Final decisions of the State Chemist carry regulatory authority under this Title.
8. Public & Environmental Protection
The Title emphasizes safety and environmental stewardship by:
Preventing contamination of water, soil, and air.
Promoting safe handling of chemicals by applicators.
Protecting consumers from unsafe or fraudulent agricultural products.
In Summary
Indiana Administrative Code – Title 355 creates a regulatory system for agricultural chemicals, fertilizers, feeds, seeds, and anhydrous ammonia under the Office of the State Chemist.
It covers:
Licensing & certification.
Registration of products.
Inspections, testing, and enforcement.
Safety and environmental standards.
Administrative hearings and penalties.
The State Chemist ensures that Indiana’s agriculture and chemical industries operate safely, transparently, and in compliance with quality standards.
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