The International Code Of Conduct On Pesticide Management

The understanding that some pesticides are more hazardous than others is well established. Recognition of this is reflected by the World Health Organization (WHO) Recommended Classification of Pesticides by Hazard, which was first published in 1975. The document classifies pesticides in one of five hazard classes according to their acute toxicity. In 2002, the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) was introduced, which in addition to acute toxicity also provides classification of chemicals according to their chronic health hazards and environmental hazards.

The International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management provides a framework which will guide government regulators, the private sector, civil society and other stake holders on best practice in managing pesticides. This version incorporates public health pesticides and vector control to broaden the scope of the Code of Conduct beyond agricultural pesticides. It gives greater attention to health and environmental aspects of pesticides, updates a number of definitions and terms and aligns guidance in several technical areas with developments in international chemicals management. Through effective implementation of The International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management, a significant reduction of risks to health and to the environment from pesticides can be achieved, while improving the productivity, sustainability and livelihoods of farmers everywhere.

The guidance provided in this publication is on enforcing compliance by on-site inspection of companies involved in pesticide production, import, distribution and retail sale. The publication is intended to be a practical, hands-on tool, with checklists that inspectors can use to prepare and conduct inspections at various sites and impose fines or penalties if deficiencies are found. It proposes a format for the report that inspectors submit to the responsible authorities after an inspection and that is filed for future reference. The guidance was prepared with the support of the FAO/WHO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Management, which advises FAO and WHO on producing guidance to promote compliance with the International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management. The document was reviewed by experts of the Working Groups on Biocides and Pesticides of the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development, and their contributions are gratefully acknowledged.

Within the context of the implementation of the International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management, this document is intended to provide specific guidance for countries wishing to establish or strengthen their programmes for licensing of activities connected to the pesticide life-cycle, including import, storage, distribution, sale and specific uses, and to provide guidance on options to set up and improve national licensing schemes. This guidance is designed primarily for use by government authorities in charge of pesticide management, in particular pesticide regulations, compliance, enforcement and risk reduction, as well as may also be useful in sectors such as the pesticide industry, nongovernmental organizations and other relevant entities in low-and middle-income countries in which there is limited legislation, compliance and enforcement, and resources for pesticide management.

The purpose of the guidelines is to provide guidance to governments that seek to review, update or design national pesticide legislation. It should be emphasized, however, that legislation alone cannot ensure effective pesticide management and adequate protection of the environment and public health. Governments will need to have in place the necessary institutional infrastructure for registering pesticides and enforcing legislation. Further, governments also need effective supporting policies and tools to promote sustainable pest and pesticide management. This may include promoting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Integrated Vector Management (IVM) through training programmes and incentive schemes, increasing availability and use of low risk products, fostering scientific research, carrying out public education campaigns and providing training for inspectors, retailers and professional users. A solid legislative framework should underpin the selected institutional framework, policies and tools. This document supersedes the Guidelines for Legislation on the Control of Pesticides of 1989.