Spartan (sulfentrazone) was registered for use on tobacco in the United States under a Special Local Need Label (24c) in 1997. This label covered Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee. The main focus of this paper will be a chronological review of the events leading to registration. This includes initial field research, the smoke flavor study, the pyrolysis study and issues concerning the 21-day inhalation study. The cooperative effort between the Tobacco Pesticide Committee, the major tobacco companies and the basic manufacturer, FMC Corporation, which led to the registration will also be discussed. The views and concerns of the Environmental Protection Agency, both Federal and State, which impacted this registration will be covered as well as the outlook for a Section 3 Registration in 1998. The opinions of tobacco growers and University specialists at the end of the season on weed control and other issues will be included in this discussion.