Pesticides regulations updated in the China market

The type of drug and the number of pesticide limits that China has just approved is nearly twice as high as the number of relevant standards of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) international standard. This was originally the approved standard for use in agricultural products of plant origin from China itself.

Jointly issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the National Health Commission and the General Administration of Market Supervision of China, GB 2763-2021 will apply from September 3, 2021. It contributes to helping the country complete the goal of reaching 10,000 pesticide residue limits approved by the State Council of China in the plan to perfect the standard system of pesticide residue levels.

According to the Vietnam SPS Office, Standard GB 2763-2021 establishes 792 limits for 29 banned pesticides and 345 limits for 20 restricted pesticides. China also established and revised 5,766 residue limits, accounting for 57.1% of the total number of limits set for fresh agricultural products, such as vegetables and fruits.

To enhance monitoring of imported agricultural products, this standard also establishes 1742 residue limits for 87 pesticides that are not registered for use in China.

This increase in the number and limits of pesticide residues, according to China, is carried out in accordance with common CAC practices, and consulted by World Trade Organization (WTO) members.

In addition to the revised, adjusted and supplemented contents, China also issued 4 standards on methods of testing pesticide residues.

Particularly, the National Food Safety Standard determines 331 pesticides and their metabolite residue limits in foods of plant origin by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. According to China, this method helps to partially solve the "limited, non-methodical" standards in pesticide residue standards.

Previously, on April 12, 2021, the General Administration of Customs of China issued Order No. 248 on "Regulations on registration and management of enterprises producing imported foreign food". Two days later, this agency continued to issue Order 249 on "Measures to manage import and export food safety". Previous orders like 243 will expire on January 1, 2022.