07 April 2026, New Delhi: The Government of India, through the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, has issued a public notice seeking comments from stakeholders and pesticide industries on revised crop grouping principles related to pesticide residue evaluation.
The notice, released by the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage under the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB&RC), follows recommendations made by the Scientific Panel on Pesticide Residue of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). These recommendations were discussed during the 468th Registration Committee meeting held on January 12, 2026.
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Background and Regulatory Context
The Scientific Panel on Pesticide Residue (SPPR) has proposed updated guidelines on crop grouping to streamline the process of establishing Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticides. These guidelines aim to improve data efficiency while maintaining scientific rigor in residue evaluation.
The Registration Committee has reviewed the recommendations and directed the CIB&RC Secretariat to invite feedback from relevant stakeholders, including pesticide manufacturers and industry bodies, before finalizing further action.
Key Recommendations on Crop Grouping
The revised framework introduces flexibility in residue data requirements for crop grouping. For extrapolation of MRLs, a minimum dataset of eight trials conducted across one season (8L1S) remains mandatory. However, at least four data points must come from the representative crop, while the remaining data can be sourced either from the same crop or from other crops within the group. In cases where two representative crops are identified within a subgroup, data can be evenly split between them.
For herbicides, the existing requirement of three locations across two seasons (3L2S) will continue. Similarly, minor crops such as spices, herbs, tea, and apple will retain the requirement of four locations in one season (4L1S).
The panel has also clarified that these relaxations apply only when the application dose remains the same or lower. A variation of up to 25 percent in dosage levels will be considered acceptable under the revised norms.
Implications for Industry and Research
The proposed changes are expected to reduce the burden of extensive field trials while ensuring sufficient data for regulatory approval. By allowing partial data generation from related crops within a group, the framework may accelerate pesticide registration processes and encourage more efficient research investments.
At the same time, maintaining minimum data thresholds ensures that food safety standards are not compromised.
Public Consultation Window
The government has opened a 15-day window from the date of publication of the notice for submission of comments and suggestions. The notice was issued on 2nd April 2026. Stakeholders are required to send their feedback to the CIB&RC Secretariat via email.
The final decision on implementing these recommendations will be taken after reviewing industry inputs, marking an important step in aligning India’s pesticide residue framework with evolving scientific and regulatory practices.
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