The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, on September 22, 2026, issued an order under the Insecticides Act, 1968 prohibiting the registration of Paraquat Dichloride. The Government had earlier proposed prohibition of its manufacture, import, transport, distribution, sale and use through notification S.O. 3800(E) dated July 10, 2026, and invited objections and suggestions from affected persons. After considering the representations received, recommendations of the Expert Committee and consultation with the Registration Committee, the Government concluded that the use of Paraquat Dichloride involves risks to human beings and animals warranting immediate action.
The Order provides that registration of Paraquat Dichloride shall be prohibited from the date of publication of the Order in the Official Gazette. Further, all certificates of registration granted under Section 9 of the Insecticides Act, 1968 shall stand cancelled from the date of publication. The Registration Committee is required to call back the certificates of registration, and failure to return them may result in action under the Act.
The State Governments are required to take appropriate steps under the Insecticides Act, 1968 and the rules made thereunder for implementation of the Order within their respective States. The notification has been issued under Section 27(2) read with Section 28 of the Insecticides Act, 1968.
[S.O. 5234(E)]
