Guidelines for quality control of pesticides. International code of conduct on the distribution and use of pesticides

Overview

 These guidelines cover the legislative, administrative, organizational and infrastructure (facilities and trained human resources) requirements to implement a scheme of regulatory quality control of pesticides in Member States. Guidance on sample selection and sampling procedures is also included. They do not include quality assurance practices of pesticide quality control laboratories, which are covered in another set of guidelines developed by the Collaborative International Pesticides Analytical Council (CIPAC), FAO and WHO.

The objectives of these guidelines are:

• to provide guidance to responsible authorities, the pesticide industry, retailers, users and civil society on legislative, administrative, organizational and infrastructure requirements and procedures for quality control of pesticides; and
• to enhance the quality of pesticides in the market, thus minimizing risks to human health and the environment, crop losses and ineffective control of pests of public health importance.