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Requirements of chemical termite management systems

When constructing in a termite-prone area and where the primary building elements are susceptible to attack, the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions refer to compliance with AS 3660.1.

The VBA has been made aware of possible use of non-compliant chemical termite management systems within the building industry.

When constructing in a termite-prone area and where the primary building elements are susceptible to attack, the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions refer to compliance with AS 3660.1.

Before issuing a building permit, the relevant building surveyor (RBS) must ensure that they have sufficient detail and information of the proposed termite management system to demonstrate compliance. AS 3660.1 requires that chemical products used as part of a termite management system, such as chemical soil or chemical sheet materials, be:

  • registered by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA)
  • tested in accordance with AS 3660.3
  • applied in accordance with the pesticides registrar’s approved label.

The RBS is required to verify the termite management system used prior to the issue of the certificate of final inspection or occupancy permit. Appendix A of AS 3660.1 provides a full list of information that should be provided on the certificate of installation of termite management system.

If a chemical termite management system is proposed to be used and does not comply with AS 3660.1, the RBS may assess its suitability against the performance requirements and may accept a performance solution, if compliance with the relevant Performance Requirement of the NCC is appropriately demonstrated.

Any performance solution must be rigorously assessed, with regard given to the APVMA registered labels. Any evidence provided is scrutinised thoroughly, ensuring that performance solution reports being used as evidence of suitability have not been outdated or subsequently withdrawn.

Builders should ensure the pest control operators are licensed with the Department of Health and Human Services and the chemical is listed by the APVMA registrar and is installed in accordance with the product’s approved label. At handover, builders should also ensure that owners are informed of the termite management system, maintenance and warranty requirements, with records displayed as per NCC, Vol 2, 3.1.4.4 - Durable Notice.

Termite damage to a home can be a costly and emotionally taxing problem to homeowners. Building practitioners who have experienced the issue of unregistered chemical termite pesticides being used should report the matter to the VBA via the VBA complaints process.

References: 

  • AS 3660.1 Australian Standard - Termite management Part 1: New building work
  • AS 3660.2.Australian Standard - Termite management Part 3: Assessment criteria for termite management systems