The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has notified the Insecticides (Amendment) Rules, 2025. These new rules, effective from June 4th, 2025, introduce several changes to the existing Insecticides Rules, 1971, following a public consultation process on a draft released in August 2024.
The amendments aim to streamline licensing procedures and enhance consumer information, particularly concerning insecticides commonly used for household purposes.
Key Amendments and Their Impact
Simplified Licensing for Household Insecticides
A major change simplifies the licensing process for businesses dealing only in insecticides commonly used for household purposes (specifically for controlling cockroaches, mosquitoes, housefly, and bed bugs).
These businesses will no longer require an endorsement for each additional insecticide they wish to sell, nor will the “principal certificate” (typically required from manufacturers/importers) be applicable for their licenses. This move is expected to ease regulatory burden on smaller retailers of common household pest control products.
The application form (FORM II) for obtaining licenses has been updated to include a specific, simplified section for this category of household insecticide dealers.
Mandatory QR Codes on Household Insecticides
To boost transparency and consumer access to information, a new provision mandates that Quick Response (QR) codes must be placed on the retail packaging (primary or secondary) of household insecticides (for cockroaches, mosquitoes, housefly, and bed bugs only).
Scanning this QR code with a mobile phone or other devices will direct the user to a web link or URL of the manufacturing company. Upon clicking, consumers will access comprehensive product information, including the entire unique leaflet content and details specified in Rule 18(1) of the Insecticides Rules.
Streamlined Licensing Timelines & Updated Forms and Record-Keeping
For certain aspects related to licensing, the amendment replaces “ninety” days with “thirty” days, to expedite specific processes.
Both the “FORM II” (Application for Grant of Licence) and “FORM III” (Licence Grant) have been completely substituted with updated versions to reflect the new categories and requirements.
The rules also introduce detailed appendices outlining new formats for various registers and monthly returns that licensees must maintain. These include records for expired pesticides, sales/distribution, stock management for technical and formulated products, and a comprehensive register for the periodical medical examination of personnel involved with insecticides.
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