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How a 2025 Government Shutdown Could Impact Pesticide Companies

The U.S. government is not currently shut down, but a lapse in funding is possible if Congress does not pass new spending bills by September 30, 2025. If that happens, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would suspend most of its operations and furlough the vast majority of its employees. For pesticide companies, the disruption would directly affect registrations, imports, compliance timelines, and supply chains. 

At AAA Compliance Partners, we are closely tracking the situation so our clients can plan ahead. Here’s what you need to know. 

What Happens at EPA During a Shutdown

When federal funding lapses, agencies like EPA must follow “shutdown contingency plans.” Only a narrow set of “essential” functions continue, such as emergency responses required to protect life and property (EPA Contingency Plan 2025)

For pesticide companies, a shutdown would mean: 

  • New product registrations and amendments stall 
    Staff responsible for reviewing submissions would be furloughed, halting progress on new registrations, label amendments, or data review (Environmental Protection Network)
  • Label changes and updates freeze 
    Companies planning label revisions to maintain compliance or launch new products would face uncertainty and delays. 
  • Import notices and clearances slow down 
    Import approvals and pesticide clearances could be delayed at ports if EPA staff are unavailable (Environmental Protection Network) 
  • Compliance inspections and enforcement are postponed 
    Most inspections, audits, and enforcement actions would stop, with the backlog pushing into later months (CRFB) 
  • State pesticide programs could feel the strain 
    Many state programs depend on federal grants that EPA administers, which would be disrupted during a lapse (Environmental Protection Network)

Why 2025 Is Different

While shutdowns are not new, several factors make this year’s situation especially significant:

  • Higher risk of a lapse – Congress is currently negotiating Fiscal Year 2026 spending. Without a continuing resolution (CR), funding will lapse October 1, 2025. 
  • White House directive for mass firings – Unlike previous shutdowns that primarily used temporary furloughs, the Trump administration has directed agencies to prepare mass firing plans as part of its broader workforce strategy(AP News)(Reuters). This could permanently reduce EPA’s capacity even after funding is restored. 
  • EPA already weakened – The closure of EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) in July 2025, along with broad deregulatory actions, has reduced the agency’s scientific and regulatory resources (Politico).

What Pesticide Companies Should Do Now

Even if the shutdown is only potential at this point, pesticide companies should prepare for disruptions:

  • Submit filings early – Get registrations, label amendments, and data packages into EPA before September 30 to secure a place in the queue. 
  • Build in extra time – Adjust project timelines to account for possible delays and post-shutdown backlogs. 
  • Plan for import slowdowns – If your supply chain depends on imported active ingredients or formulated products, build buffer inventory now. 
  • Keep compliance records updated – Enforcement may pause, but it will resume. Maintain thorough internal documentation to show ongoing compliance. 
  • Stay informed – Monitor congressional negotiations, EPA announcements, and industry association updates for the latest information.

Bottom Line

The 2025 government shutdown has not happened yet, but the risk is real. If Congress does not act, EPA’s pesticide regulatory work will grind to a halt, creating delays and uncertainty for registrants, formulators, and distributors. 

AAA Compliance Partners helps pesticide companies navigate federal and state regulatory disruptions. Our team of former EPA and state regulators can assess your immediate risks, prepare contingency strategies, and ensure you stay positioned for compliance once normal operations resume. 

Worried about how a shutdown could affect your registrations or imports? Contact us today to discuss your specific situation and build a plan.

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