September 27, 2022, the Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) published the first list of new chemical pollutants subject to priority control (2022 draft version) for public consultation. The list includes 14 categories of chemicals to be banned or phased out in China and detailed management measures. Nonylphenol is also on the list and will be fully banned as a pesticide co-formulant. Nonylphenol is a common surfactant used in pesticide formulations. Nonylphenol is also known for its endocrine disrupting properties.

On 25 March 2022, the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) published its notice No. 542 announcing final registration data requirements for herbicides used on genetically modified crops. The notice takes into effect immediately. This means that China will soon permit the planting of major GM varieties of major feed or food crops.

Pesticide registration is complex, time-consuming and sometimes expensive. In order to help related enterprises know more about the pesticide registration in China, CIRS Group summarizes frequently asked questions (FAQ) about pesticide registration in China for those who wish to sell pesticide active ingredients and formulations to China. Typical products that require pesticide registrations include herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, plant growth regulators, seedcare products, biopesticides and public health pesticides such as mosquito repellants, wood preservatives, snail-killing agent and termite control agent.

In China, only feed ingredients and additives listed in catalogue of approved feed ingredients and additives can be used in animal feed products, including pet food. New feed ingredients or feed additives must be approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) in China first before they can be used in animal feeds. China MARA maintains two positive lists: Catalogue of Feed Additives and Catalogue of Feed Ingredients. Before you export feed additives to China or register animal feeds in China, it is very important to search whether all ingredients and additives are on the positive list.

Free Guide on Pesticide Regulation and Registration in China is a report drafted by CIRS Group to help companies and individuals who would like to sell their pesticides to the People’s Republic of China and get their pesticide products registered with ICAMA. The guide describes key definitions, main regulations, authorities, pesticide registration process, data requirements and post-registration labelling requirements.