Pest control products used in forest management can be divided into two principal categories:

• Insecticides Used in forest insect control programs, primarily against eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) and hemlock looper (Lamdina fiscellaria fiscellaria).
• Herbicides Used in site preparation and conifer release (i.e., thinning out trees and shrubs that have overtopped the conifers), against woody or herbaceous vegetation.

All pest control products used or imported into Canada must be registered by the federal government, a process regulated by the Pest Control Products Act. Before 1 April 1995, this act was administered by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada with advice from Health Canada, Environment Canada, and Natural Resources Canada (Canadian Forest Service). Since that date, the responsibility for pesticide regulation has been consolidated within the new Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) under Health Canada; other departments continue to provide advice.

The registration process is designed to ensure the safety, merit, and value of pesticides through presale assessment and registration. The conditions under which each product may be sold and the purpose for which it may be used are established in the registration of the product and are determined by the registration process.

IIn forestry, it is at the provincial level that decisions are made regarding the need to manage or control pests, diseases, or competing vegetation; what registered products will be used; and how they will be applied. In addition, the provinces and territories have extensive legislation relating to the storage, sale, and disposal of pesticides.

Pest control products used in forest management account for approximately 2% of the pest control products sold in Canada.
The pest control data are gathered through specific regulatory requirements that may differ among jurisdictions and they may slightly underestimate use because not all applications require a permit.