February 20, 2025

China remains a dominant force in the global pesticide industry, supplying a significant portion of active ingredients (AIs) used worldwide. As part of its ongoing commitment to environmental safety, product quality, and international compliance, China has introduced new regulatory updates in 2025. These changes aim to enhance pesticide management, improve product safety, and align with international standards, impacting manufacturers, exporters, and global supply chains.

This article highlights China’s latest pesticide regulations, their implications for manufacturers and global trade, and key steps for businesses to remain compliant.

1. Strengthened Registration and Approval Process

a) Revised Pesticide Registration Guidelines

China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) has tightened pesticide registration requirements, particularly for new active ingredients and formulations. Key updates include:

  • Extended risk assessment criteria, incorporating long-term environmental and human health impact studies.
  • Stronger data requirements for product efficacy, residue levels, and ecotoxicology.
  • Mandatory in-country field trials for new pesticides, ensuring local environmental and agronomic suitability.
  • Harmonization with international standards, improving data acceptance in global markets.

This stricter approval process is expected to lengthen registration timelines, requiring companies to plan for market entry.

b) Re-Evaluation of Existing Pesticide Registrations

To enhance safety and efficacy, MARA has initiated a systematic re-evaluation of registered pesticides, with a focus on:

  • Highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) with potential health and environmental risks.
  • Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and persistent organic pollutants.
  • Pesticides facing bans or restrictions in other major markets, such as the EU and U.S.

Manufacturers must provide updated safety data for continued registration or risk phase-out restrictions.

2. Stricter Environmental and Safety Regulations

a) New Restrictions on Highly Toxic Pesticides

In line with China’s 2025 Green Agriculture Plan, authorities have introduced new restrictions on:

  • Neonicotinoids and organophosphates, linked to pollinator decline.
  • Paraquat-based formulations, which remain banned for domestic use but restricted for export.
  • Pesticide production near water sources, to prevent contamination.

Companies must reformulate products and adopt safer alternatives to meet regulatory standards.

b) Enhanced Manufacturing and Emission Standards

China’s new environmental regulations enforce stricter factory emission limits for pesticide production. Key updates include:

  • Lower volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, reducing air pollution.
  • Stronger wastewater treatment requirements, preventing contamination of water bodies.
  • Mandatory adoption of green synthesis technologies, encouraging eco-friendly manufacturing.

Failure to comply can result in fines, plant shutdowns, or export restrictions.

3. Updates in Labelling and Packaging Compliance

a) Global Labelling Standardization

China has aligned pesticide labelling requirements with FAO/WHO international guidelines, ensuring:

  • Clear hazard classifications based on GHS (Globally Harmonized System).
  • Bilingual labelling (Chinese & English) for export products.
  • QR code integration, allowing instant access to safety data sheets (SDS).

b) Sustainable Packaging Initiatives

Manufacturers must now:

  • Reduce plastic waste by switching to biodegradable or recyclable packaging.
  • Implement refillable container programs to minimize hazardous waste.
  • Comply with China’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy, ensuring end-of-life disposal management.

4. Increased Scrutiny on Pesticide Exports

a) Strengthened Export Documentation Requirements

Chinese exporters must now provide:

  • Detailed residue analysis reports to comply with MRL (Maximum Residue Limit) standards of importing countries.
  • Comprehensive toxicology and environmental impact assessments.
  • Country-specific compliance certificates, ensuring smooth trade with the EU, U.S., and ASEAN markets.

b) Stricter Oversight on Cross-Border Shipments

To prevent illegal pesticide exports, Chinese customs authorities have introduced:

  • AI-powered tracking systems to monitor pesticide shipments.
  • Randomized product testing at major export hubs.
  • Stronger penalties for mislabelling, undeclared ingredients, or non-compliant exports.

Non-compliance could lead to export bans, loss of market access, or license revocations.

5. Digital Transformation in Regulatory Compliance

a) E-Registration and AI-Driven Compliance Monitoring

China’s National Pesticide Registration System (NPRS) now operates entirely online, offering:

  • Faster application processing through AI-assisted document review.
  • Blockchain-based tracking of pesticide approvals, ensuring transparency.
  • Automated compliance alerts for manufacturers to prevent regulatory breaches.

b) Smart Manufacturing & AI in Quality Control

Leading manufacturers are adopting AI and IoT solutions for:

  • Real-time monitoring of pesticide formulation accuracy.
  • Automated detection of contaminants in production lines.
  • Predictive maintenance of manufacturing equipment, reducing downtime.

What This Means for Businesses

For Chinese Manufacturers:

 Higher costs for compliance due to stricter environmental and safety regulations.
 Longer product approval timelines, requiring proactive R&D investments.
 Need for advanced digital compliance tools to streamline regulatory processes.

For International Buyers & Distributors:

Stronger supply chain transparency, ensuring product quality and regulatory alignment.
Potential supply disruptions as companies transition to new regulatory frameworks.
Higher pricing for compliant pesticide formulations, reflecting increased production costs.

How Maven Can Help

With these regulatory changes, pesticide companies must stay ahead of compliance requirements to maintain market access. Maven’s regulatory experts assist with:

 China Pesticide Registration & Compliance Consulting
 Toxicology Risk Assessment for New Pesticides
 Regulatory Strategy for Global Market Entry
 Pesticide Labelling & SDS Compliance
 Eco-friendly Formulation & Green Chemistry Guidance

Our data-driven approach ensures that pesticide manufacturers and exporters can navigate China’s evolving regulations while maintaining efficiency and profitability.

Contact Maven today to ensure your pesticide products meet China’s 2025 compliance standards!