Pesticides Control Board tightens net on aluminium phosphide licences

The Pesticides Control Board (PCB) has moved to review licences for companies importing and distributing Aluminium Phosphide, tightening its scrutiny of a supply chain accused of allowing the highly hazardous pesticide to reach unauthorised users.

The review comes after the regulator discovered that some agro-dealers were allegedly selling Aluminium Phosphide outside the authorised system, including breaking the product down and selling it as individual tablets.

PCB registrar James Kaphale said Friday that the regulator was reviewing the licences to identify weaknesses in the system and determine who was responsible for the movement of the chemical at each stage of the supply chain.

“We are reviewing the licences and the whole distribution arrangement to establish where the gaps are,” Kaphale said.

“We have to know exactly who is importing, who is distributing, who is selling and who is using these products.”

Kaphale said the review would lead to new regulatory measures, which the PCB will announce shortly.

“The control of highly hazardous pesticides cannot be taken lightly. We have to close the gaps,” he said.

The licensing review follows engagements with CropLife Malawi and the Agro-Dealers Association on September 3 and September 10 respectively.

At the September 3 meeting, the PCB told CropLife Malawi that it had observed with “grave concern” the increasing abuse and misuse of Aluminium Phosphide.

The regulator said some agro-dealers were selling the chemical to unauthorised users and “decanting the product and selling it in single tablet”.

CropLife Malawi agreed that the situation required urgent action and supported tighter licensing of importers and distributors, stronger inspections and improved certification of people handling the pesticide.

The Agro-Dealers Association subsequently agreed to stronger licensing and monitoring of dealers and tighter controls on access to the chemical.

The PCB is therefore reviewing the licensing system against the concerns raised by both the regulator and industry stakeholders.

Aluminium Phosphide is classified as a Highly Hazardous Pesticide and releases phosphine gas when exposed to moisture. Exposure can cause severe poisoning, organ damage, shock and death.

The PCB has the statutory mandate to control its importation, distribution, sale, storage and use.

“We cannot allow a highly hazardous pesticide to be moving into the hands of people who are not authorised or trained to handle it,” Kaphale said.

“New measures will be announced shortly.”

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