Chlorantraniliprole, Clothianidin, Bifenthrin, Glufosinate-P, and Emamectin Lead Product Registrations
January–December 2024 — Beijing, China — In 2024, China’s pesticide registration system witnessed significant strides in policy enhancement, regulatory clarity, and digital transformation. Notably, five active ingredients—chlorantraniliprole, clothianidin, bifenthrin, glufosinate-P, and emamectin—emerged as the most registered in the nation, underscoring their essential role in China’s agrochemical market.
Overview of Registration Trends
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs approved 2,621 pesticide product registrations (excluding export-only), with 1,919 changes and 9,340 extensions. As of year-end, 47,480 valid pesticide registrations were recorded. Among 2024 approvals, 10 new active ingredients and 17 novel pesticide products were introduced, including 10 biological products.
Leading Active Ingredients
- Chlorantraniliprole (245 registrations): A top-performing insecticide with wide application.
- Clothianidin (185 registrations): Key neonicotinoid effective against sucking pests.
- Bifenthrin (113 registrations): Popular pyrethroid for broad-spectrum pest control.
- Glufosinate-P (101 registrations): Widely used herbicide gaining traction.
- Emamectin (96 registrations): A potent insecticide effective against lepidopteran pests.
Formulation Insights
The most common formulation types were SC, SL, EC, OD, and GR, accounting for 78.6% of registrations, reflecting a preference for suspension concentrates and environmentally friendly water-based formulations.
Category Distribution
The 2024 breakdown includes:
- Insecticides: 876
- Herbicides: 772
- Fungicides: 471
- Plant Growth Regulators: 222
- Sanitary Insecticides: 110
- Others: 37
Together, insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides comprised 85% of total registrations.
Shift Towards Low-Toxicity and Biological Products
Micro/low-toxic pesticides constituted 96.3% of 2024 registrations, continuing a four-year trend above 96%. Key regulatory changes include the ban of eight high-toxicity pesticides such as phorate and methomyl. New rules discourage novel registrations based on food additives and identical MoA mixtures, supporting safer, more sustainable products.
Crop-Oriented Registration Trends
Food crops dominated with rice (16.6%), wheat (10.0%), and corn (5.6%) leading the registration tally. Notable increases were seen for cabbage and citrus, highlighting evolving demands from high-value and regional crops.
Technological and Administrative Enhancements
- Implementation of electronic pesticide registration certificates from November 2024.
- Continued digitization to streamline registration processes.
Summary and Outlook
In 2024, China’s pesticide registration regime demonstrated a dual emphasis on volume and quality. With over 96% of new products being low-toxic and focused on food crops, regulatory support for innovation, environmental safety, and crop diversity has visibly advanced. The sector is set for a future defined by high efficiency, low risk, and comprehensive coverage.
