Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): India’s Pesticides Management Bill, 2025

08 January 2026, New Delhi: India’s Pesticides Management Bill, 2025 aims to modernise the country’s pesticide regulatory framework by replacing the Insecticides Act, 1968. The proposed law regulates the full lifecycle of pesticides, from manufacture and import to sale, use and disposal, with a stronger focus on human health, environmental safety and farmer welfare. It introduces risk-based approvals, digital processes, stricter surveillance and time-bound decision-making to ensure the availability of safe and effective pesticides while promoting sustainable and biological alternatives.

1. What is the Pesticides Management Bill, 2025?

The Pesticides Management Bill, 2025 is a proposed central law to regulate the manufacture, import, sale, distribution, use, and disposal of pesticides in India. It aims to ensure that only safe, effective, and quality pesticides are available, while minimising risks to human health, animals, beneficial organisms, and the environment.

2. Why is India replacing the Insecticides Act, 1968?

The Insecticides Act, 1968 is over 50 years old and no longer reflects present-day realities such as modern chemistry, biological pesticides, digital governance, global trade, climate risks, and environmental concerns. The new Bill introduces risk-based regulation, transparency, stronger enforcement, and digital systems, which were largely missing in the old law.

3. When will the new law come into force?

The Act will come into force on a date notified by the Central Government. Different provisions may come into force on different dates, allowing a phased implementation.

4. Does the Bill apply across India?

Yes. The Bill declares pesticide regulation to be a matter of Union control in the public interest, while allowing State Governments to play a key role in licensing, enforcement, surveillance, and reporting.

5. What activities are regulated under the Bill?

The Bill regulates the entire lifecycle of pesticides, including:

• Manufacture and import
• Packaging and labelling
• Storage, transport, and distribution
• Advertisement, sale, and use
• Recall, disposal, and destruction

It applies to pesticides used in agriculture, public health, industry, storage, pest control operations, and households.

6. What is considered a “pesticide” under the Bill?

A pesticide includes any chemical or biological substance used to prevent, destroy, repel, or control pests. This also includes:

• Plant growth regulators
• Defoliants and desiccants
• Post-harvest protectants
• Substances used before or after harvest to prevent deterioration during storage or transport

7. What is meant by “risk” in the Bill?

Risk is defined as the probability and severity of harm, based on:

• The inherent properties of a pesticide, and
• The likelihood and extent of human or environmental exposure

This definition allows regulators to take precautionary action, even when scientific certainty is not complete.

8. What is the Central Pesticides Board?

The Central Pesticides Board is a statutory body to be constituted within six months of the Act’s commencement. It advises the Central and State Governments on:

• Scientific and technical matters
• Manufacturing and disposal standards
• Advertising norms
• Worker safety and training
• Recall procedures
• Monitoring residues and poisoning cases
• Promoting safer and sustainable alternatives

9. Who makes decisions on pesticide approvals?

The Registration Committee is the authority responsible for granting, refusing, suspending, or cancelling pesticide registrations in India.

10. Is pesticide registration mandatory?

Yes. No pesticide can be manufactured or imported without registration from the Registration Committee. Separate applications are required for each pesticide.

11. How are registration applications submitted?

All applications must be submitted in digital form. The Committee may:

• Seek additional data
• Order independent tests
• Consult experts
• Evaluate safety, efficacy, necessity, and end-use

12. Can a pesticide be refused registration?

Yes. Registration can be refused if:

• Information submitted is false or misleading
• Safety or efficacy claims are not supported
• Maximum residue limits are not specified where required
• There is scientific uncertainty with potential for serious or irreversible harm

13. What are “generic pesticides”?

Generic pesticides are those for which registration has already been granted to another entity. The Bill introduces time-bound approvals for generics to avoid delays. If no decision is taken within 18 months, registration is deemed to be granted.

14. What is provisional registration?

In emergencies declared by the Central or State Government, the Registration Committee may grant provisional registration for up to three years, allowing temporary use while additional safety and efficacy data is generated.

15. Can registrations be reviewed or cancelled later?

Yes. Registrations can be reviewed at any time based on new evidence, poisoning incidents, government references, or inspector reports. Registrations may be:

• Suspended
• Cancelled
• Deemed cancelled in specific cases

16. Can pesticides be banned immediately?

Yes. In the public interest, the Central or State Government can immediately prohibit the sale, distribution, or use of a pesticide for up to one year, pending scientific review. Permanent bans can follow if risks outweigh benefits.

17. Who issues licences for manufacture and sale?

Licences are issued by State Governments through designated Licensing Officers. Licences are required for:

• Manufacturing
• Distribution and sale
• Stocking and transport
• Commercial pest control operations

18. Are household users covered under the Bill?

Yes, but with protection. Individuals using pesticides in their own household, kitchen garden, or land under personal cultivation are not liable for prosecution under the Act.

19. What records must businesses maintain?

Manufacturers, importers, and sellers must maintain digital records of:

• Sales
• Stock positions
• Licences
• Distribution details

These records may be demanded by authorities at any time.

20. What is pesticide surveillance under the Bill?

State Governments must:

• Monitor poisoning incidents
• Report cases quarterly to the Central Government
• Implement standard medical protocols for poisoning management

21. What laboratories are recognised under the law?

The Bill provides for:

• A Central Pesticides Laboratory
• Accredited Pesticide Testing Laboratories (public and private)
  Private labs must meet strict accreditation norms and have no conflict of interest.

22. Who enforces the law on the ground?

Pesticide Inspectors and Pesticide Analysts are empowered to:

• Inspect premises and vehicles
• Take samples
• Order temporary stoppage of sales
• Seize stocks and records
• Initiate enforcement action

23. What penalties does the Bill prescribe?

Penalties range from:

• Monetary fines for minor violations
• Heavy fines and imprisonment (up to five years) where violations cause death or grievous harm
• Confiscation of stocks and cancellation of licences

Repeat offences attract higher penalties.

24. Does the Bill decriminalise minor offences?

Yes. Many minor and technical violations are dealt with through penalties and compounding, reducing unnecessary criminal prosecution while maintaining deterrence for serious offences.

25. What happens to existing licences under the old law?

Licences issued under the Insecticides Act, 1968 will remain valid until their expiry. After that, fresh licences must comply with the new Act.

26. Does the Bill promote sustainable agriculture?

Yes. The Bill explicitly encourages:

• Biological pesticides
• Traditional knowledge-based solutions
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Indigenous manufacturing and safer alternatives

27. Can rules be changed after the Act is passed?

Yes. The Central and State Governments have powers to frame and amend rules, subject to parliamentary or legislative oversight.

28. What is the overall significance of the Bill for India?

The Pesticides Management Bill, 2025 represents a systemic reset of pesticide regulation in India. It balances farmer access, industry predictability, public health protection, and environmental safety—while bringing transparency, accountability, and digital governance into a critical sector of Indian agriculture.

Also Read: Government Of India Invites Public Comments on Draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2025

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