Public Consultation from China's MARA on the control measures of Aluminum Phosphide and Chloropicrin

China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) plans to take the following control measures on two highly toxic pesticides – aluminum phosphide and chloropicrin.

First, from October 1, 2024, it revokes the pesticide registration and production license of corresponding products of the aluminum phosphide formulation manufacturing companies, while retaining the registration and production license for both technical grade active ingredients (TGAIs) and formulations of the TGAIs manufacturers. The use of aluminum phosphide formulations will be restricted exclusively to pest control in stored grain.

Secondly, starting from October 1, 2024, no new pesticide registrations or production licenses for chloropicrin will be approved. Existing registrations and production licenses for chloropicrin formulations will be retained, with usage and application methods limited solely to soil fumigation

Thirdly, starting from October 1, 2024, Manufacturing enterprises will supply aluminum phosphide and chloropicrin products directly to grain storage enterprises and professional pest control organizations that meet the technical conditions for safe use, and the products are to be used only by professionals who are familiar with the respective usage methods and safety precautions. Products that have entered the market before October 1, 2024, can continue to be sold within their expiration date, but only for use by professional technicians.

Public consultation was closed on August 31, 2024.