The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has issued a draft notification proposing the Insecticides (Amendment) Rules, 2025, which would grant retailers an additional two years for compliance with the prescribed qualifications for a valid license. This draft notification was published on November 6, 2025.
The Proposed Amendment
The amendment pertains to Rule 10, sub-rule (1A), first proviso, of the Insecticides Rules, 1971. This rule has been amended several times to grant retailers extension in deadline to comply with the prescribed qualifications for a valid license. This specific proviso deals with retailers holding a valid license but lacking the required qualifications, allowing them a grace period to meet the standards.
By the present notification, the existing deadline of June 30, 2024 has been extended proposed to be extended to June 30, 2026.
This extension provides retailers or dealers of insecticides with two more years to comply with the requirements laid out in the said proviso, preventing disruption in the agricultural sector. The extension is generally provided to allow the industry sufficient time to implement necessary changes related to registration, labeling, or quality standards as mandated by the rule.
It is pertinent to note, that any person who applies for the grant of licence or renewal of existing licencee to sell, stock or exhibit for sale or distribute insecticides commonly used for household purpose only and registered as such shall be exempted from this requirement of educational qualifications.
Public Consultation
The Central Government has published the draft rule for the information of all persons likely to be affected. The public is given thirty days from the date the notification is made available to the public to submit any objections or suggestions.
Submissions must be forwarded to the Joint Secretary (Plant Protection), Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, or through email at muktanand.ias08@nic.in. The Central Government will consider all feedback received before finalizing and implementing the amendment.