Beijing, March 2025 — In a decisive move to enhance food safety and environmental protection, China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) has announced stringent control measures on two highly toxic pesticides: aluminum phosphide and chloropicrin. These regulations, effective March 1, 2025, aim to mitigate risks associated with the production, distribution, and application of these substances.
Key Measures Implemented:
- Aluminum Phosphide:
- Registration Revocation:
- MARA will revoke the pesticide registration certificates of aluminum phosphide formulation products held by companies other than the original technical material manufacturers.
- Only manufacturers producing the technical grade active ingredient (TGAI) will retain their registration certificates for both technical and formulation products.
- Usage Restrictions:
- Formulation products must feature newly approved labels specifying their exclusive use for controlling pests in stored grains.
- Manufacturers are required to supply these products directly to grain storage enterprises or specialized pest control service organizations that meet stringent safety and technical criteria.
- Application is restricted to professional technicians trained in proper usage and safety protocols.
- Registration Revocation:
- Chloropicrin:
- Usage Limitations:
- Manufacturers must update product labels, as approved by MARA, indicating that chloropicrin is solely for soil fumigation purposes.
- Distribution is limited to direct supply from manufacturers to specialized pest control service organizations.
- Only professional technicians with appropriate training are permitted to handle and apply the product.
- Usage Limitations:
- Transition Period for Existing Stock:
- Products of both pesticides that entered the market before February 28, 2025, may continue to be sold within their validity period.
- However, their use must be under the guidance and supervision of professional technicians to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Editorial Commentary:
This regulatory action by MARA underscores China’s commitment to strengthening food safety and environmental stewardship. By imposing stricter controls on aluminum phosphide and chloropicrin, the authorities aim to reduce the potential hazards these toxic pesticides pose to human health and the ecosystem.
The directive aligns with broader efforts to phase out or tightly regulate highly toxic pesticides. In recent years, China has progressively banned or restricted several such substances, reflecting a global trend toward safer agricultural practices.
By mandating that only original manufacturers of the technical materials retain registration rights and restricting distribution channels, MARA is enhancing oversight and ensuring that these potent chemicals are handled responsibly.
