In the Netherlands, the law of 1962 (modified in 1975) regulates the registration and use of pesticides, with respect to their effectiveness and the safety of humans and the environment. Its most important feature is the prohibition of trade, possession, or use of any unregistered pesticide. A pesticide is defined as any compound or mixture of compounds intended to be used to fight or repel organisms capable of damaging materials of interest to humans. The ministries of environment, agriculture, and public health are jointly responsible for the implementation of this law. Use of a product is only permitted if all the general instructions concerning concentration of active ingredients, color, form, packaging, labeling, and description are complied with, if it is effective, if it does not damage the environment, and if the active concentration both initially and during the chosen method of use, is not greater than necessary. Permission for use is granted for a maximum of 10 years, and frequently for shorter periods. It is not only prohibited to use, possess, or sell unregistered pesticides, but also to recommend and promote such products.