‘Chi m’bulu’ crackdown: Malawi  pesticide regulator suspends imports of deadly rat poison”

Malawi’s pesticide regulator has taken the dramatic step of suspending import licences for a highly toxic chemical widely used to protect maize and kill rats, following alarming reports of misuse that have put lives at risk across the country.

The Pesticides Control Board (PCB) confirmed it had suspended licences for the importation of aluminium phosphide, commonly known locally as ‘chi m’bulu’, citing significant dangers including accidental poisoning, occupational exposure, and even cases of intentional self-poisoning.

PCB board chairperson Dr Victor Madhlopa made the explosive announcement at a media briefing at the institution’s headquarters in Bvumbwe, declaring the crackdown had become unavoidable given the scale of misuse being uncovered.

“A comprehensive, rigorous review has been initiated. Moving forward, we are establishing a strictly controlled gateway into the country. This chemical will feature locked-down distribution pipelines,” Dr Madhlopa said.

In an unequivocal warning to those hoping to exploit loopholes, he added: “Its application will be restricted exclusively to large-scale, authorised, and certified grain dealers who have undergone verified professional training. The days of open-market access are over.”

PCB registrar James Kaphale further revealed the extent of the danger posed by the chemical, confirming that aluminium phosphide is classified as a highly hazardous, restricted pesticide, meant only for sale to and use by certified applicators.

But despite those existing controls, Kaphale admitted the substance had alarmingly found its way into both formal and informal markets, with disturbing reports of illegal sale, diversion, decanting, repackaging, and handling by completely untrained individuals.

Kaphale said the crisis demanded a fundamental shift away from Malawi’s previous reliance on licensing and periodic inspections, calling instead for a rigorous, targeted supply-chain control system capable of tracing every single movement of the deadly chemical, from the moment it enters the country to its final point of use.

The sweeping new measures mark one of the most significant regulatory crackdowns on a widely used agricultural pesticide in recent years, as authorities scramble to close the net on a chemical that has proven far easier to misuse than to control.