China Enforces Nationwide Ban on Four Highly Toxic Pesticides from June 1
18 June 2026, Beijing: China has officially prohibited the sale and use of four highly toxic pesticides Omethoate, Carbofuran, Methomyl, and Aldicarb across all crops and applications from June 1, 2026. The move follows the implementation of Announcement No. 736 issued by China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA), marking another major step in the country’s phased withdrawal of highly hazardous pesticides from agriculture.
The ban applies nationwide and covers the entire supply chain. Agricultural authorities have launched inspections of pesticide retailers, online sales channels, cooperatives, plant protection service providers, and farming enterprises to ensure compliance. Prior to the deadline, pesticide retailers were required to inventory remaining stocks, report quantities to local authorities, and prepare for product recall and disposal procedures.
Mandatory Recall and Disposal Measures
Under the new regulations, no entity is permitted to sell, distribute, transfer, or use the four banned pesticides after June 1. Existing inventories must be sealed and disposed of under the supervision of agricultural enforcement agencies. Farmers holding unused stocks are required to return products to original retailers through a formal recall mechanism. Retailers must maintain complete records of notifications, product returns, and disposal activities for regulatory inspection.
Authorities have warned that any attempt to conceal inventory, transfer products privately, or continue using the pesticides will result in severe penalties under China’s pesticide management regulations.
Heavy Penalties for Non-Compliance
China has introduced stringent enforcement measures to support the ban.
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Illegal sale or distribution of banned pesticides | Confiscation of products, illegal gains, and equipment used |
| Goods valued below RMB 10,000 | Fine of RMB 5,000–50,000 |
| Goods valued above RMB 10,000 | Fine of 5–10 times the product value |
| Serious violations | Revocation of pesticide business license |
| Illegal pesticide use by organizations | Fine of RMB 50,000–100,000 |
| Illegal pesticide use by individuals | Fine up to RMB 10,000 |
| Criminal offences | Transfer to judicial authorities for prosecution |
Pesticides Covered Under the Ban
The four pesticides have historically been used against a range of insect and soil-borne pests but have been associated with significant risks to human health, food safety, and the environment. Chinese authorities noted that these products were already subject to strict restrictions on fruits, vegetables, tea, and medicinal crops before the complete prohibition.
Typical Uses of the Banned Pesticides
| Pesticide | Major Crop Uses | Primary Target Pests |
|---|---|---|
| Omethoate | Cotton, wheat, rice, fruit trees, vegetables | Aphids, planthoppers, thrips, mites, scale insects |
| Carbofuran | Corn, soybean, peanut, rice, sugarcane | Grubs, wireworms, mole crickets, rice pests |
| Methomyl | Cotton, tobacco, cruciferous vegetables, fruit crops | Bollworms, caterpillars, aphids, diamondback moth |
| Aldicarb | Cotton, peanut, tobacco, ornamentals | Nematodes, grubs, underground pests, seedling aphids |
Major Chinese Manufacturers Historically Associated with These Products
The withdrawal will impact several domestic pesticide producers that previously manufactured technical material or formulations of the affected active ingredients.
Omethoate Producers
| Company | Industry Position |
|---|---|
| Zhengzhou Lanboer Technology Co., Ltd. | Major national omethoate production base |
| Shandong Dacheng Biotechnology Co., Ltd. | Leading producer of 40% Omethoate EC |
| Henan Pulanke Biochemical Industry Co., Ltd. | Producer of omethoate formulations |
| Hunan Haohua Biological Products Co., Ltd. | Regional pesticide manufacturer |
Carbofuran Producers
| Company | Industry Position |
|---|---|
| Jiangsu Lanfeng Biochemical Co., Ltd. | Producer of carbofuran technical material |
| Shandong Huayang Pesticide Chemical Group Co., Ltd. | Integrated carbofuran producer |
| Jiangsu Changlong Nongchang Co., Ltd. | Technical and formulation registrations |
| Hunan Haili Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. | Producer of carbofuran technical material |
| Hunan Guofa Fine Chemical Technology Co., Ltd. | Carbofuran granule manufacturer |
| Shandong Aisen Chemical Co., Ltd. | Producer of carbofuran granules |
Methomyl Producers
| Company | Industry Position |
|---|---|
| Shandong Huayang Pesticide Chemical Group Co., Ltd. | Major methomyl producer |
| Han Jinpeng Chemical Co., Ltd. | Methomyl technical and formulations |
| Henan Pulanke Biochemical Industry Co., Ltd. | Methomyl formulation producer |
Aldicarb Producer
| Company | Industry Position |
|---|---|
| Shandong Huayang Pesticide Chemical Group Co., Ltd. | Reportedly the only approved domestic producer of aldicarb technical material and formulations |
Shift Toward Safer Alternatives
Chinese agricultural authorities have indicated that the ban will be accompanied by accelerated promotion of low-toxicity, high-efficiency pesticide alternatives and broader adoption of green pest management technologies. Officials said the objective is to maintain crop protection effectiveness while improving agricultural product safety and reducing environmental risks.
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