Chlorpyrifos

The 2025 Conferences of the Parties (COPs) to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions are taking place in Geneva from April 28 to May 9. These meetings aim to address global concerns around hazardous chemicals, including chlorpyrifos.

Understanding Chlorpyrifos

Chlorpyrifos is a pesticide labeled as “moderately hazardous” by the World Health Organization. Despite being banned in more than 40 nations, it remains approved for use on 18 crops in India. It has been associated with serious health risks such as neurotoxicity, reproductive issues, and permanent brain damage in unborn children. Its mobility also allows it to spread and pollute ecosystems far from the site of application.

Global and Domestic Advocacy Efforts

Pesticide Action Network (PAN) India:

• PAN India urges the inclusion of chlorpyrifos in Annex III of the Rotterdam Convention, which would require informed consent before international trade.
• The organization also advocates for its listing under Annex A of the Stockholm Convention, which would effectively ban its global use, albeit with certain exceptions.
• PAN emphasizes that safer, viable alternatives are already available, supporting the argument for a full ban.

Illegal Use in India:

A 2022 investigation highlighted the unlawful application of chlorpyrifos and other agrochemicals such as paraquat, pointing to significant flaws in regulatory enforcement.

What is CIBRC?

The Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC) functions under the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage within the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Established in 1970, the CIBRC is responsible for regulating insecticides to protect human health, animal welfare, and the environment.

Legal Framework:

The CIBRC operates under the Insecticides Act of 1968, which became effective on August 1, 1971, along with the Insecticides Rules. This Act provides a centralized process to oversee the import, production, sale, transport, and usage of insecticides across India.