Breaking news: Pesticide labels and instruction manuals are set to undergo major changes, with eight new requirements added.

On June 14, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs issued a letter soliciting comments on the “Measures for the Administration of Pesticide Labels and Instructions (Draft Amendment for Public Comment).” To standardize the supervision and administration of pesticide labels and instructions, provide scientifically sound guidance on pesticide use, and ensure the safety and efficacy of such use, the Pesticide Management Division of the Ministry has revised the “Measures for the Administration of Pesticide Labels and Instructions,” resulting in a draft amendment now open for public comment. All relevant units are invited to organize pesticide production and marketing enterprises and related organizations within their jurisdictions to carefully review the draft and submit their proposed amendments by June 30, 2023.

This draft revision broadens the scope of requirements for pesticide labels and instructions, expanding the original provision—under which pesticide products marketed or used within China must bear labels affixed to their packaging—to now stipulate that pesticide products stored, transported, sold, or used within China must also bear labels on their packaging.

It should be noted that the draft amendment’s… Article 8 of Chapter 2 In addition to specifying the scope of use, application methods, dosage, technical requirements for application, and precautions, pesticide labels must also indicate the appropriate dilution ratio based on the method of application.

This time, the most significant changes are Article 9 In addition to the original seven requirements, two further provisions have been added: (4) Herbicides registered for use on genetically modified crops shall indicate the applicable GM crop and the name of the transformation event; for herbicide‑tolerant crops produced through gene editing or other methods, the corresponding approved crop variety shall be specified. (5) Where the product requires the addition of a designated adjuvant during application, relevant information about that adjuvant shall be indicated.

In the draft amendment’s Article 17 It clarifies the calculation method for dilution ratios, making pesticide application guidance more targeted.

Article 18 The requirements for pesticide withdrawal periods have been made more detailed. Under the previous regulations, pesticides used for seed treatment—such as seed dressing, coating, and soaking—as well as pre-emergence soil-applied products and those applied only once during the seedling stage did not need to bear a withdrawal period label. However, the revised wording stipulates that pesticides used for seed treatment, pre-emergence soil application, or foliar application on crops with a growth cycle exceeding three months are exempt from requiring a withdrawal period label. In other words, crops with a growth cycle of three months or less must still display a withdrawal period.

Article 24 This involves the labeling of traceability electronic information codes. The revised draft introduces a new requirement: each pesticide package used for storage, transportation, and sale must bear a traceability electronic information code, and there must be a linkage between the traceability codes on the inner and outer packaging. In other words, any packaged product must carry a traceability electronic information code.

Article 27 The amendment shares similarities with the revision of Article 2, as both extend the scope of pesticide labeling to include storage and transportation. It can thus be understood that, during storage and transport, pesticide packaging—regardless of size—must bear a pesticide label.

Revised draft Article 31 A new requirement has been introduced: the same manufacturing enterprise may use only one brand logo or trademark, and the font size of its textual elements must not exceed half that of the pesticide’s name. Although the first part of this provision still requires further clarification, it can be anticipated that, once the draft is adopted, the practice of “one registration for multiple products” will be curbed.

Article 32 The revision likewise addresses pesticide withholding periods. The draft amendment stipulates that the pre-harvest interval and the number of applications must be clearly indicated, using a font size larger than that of other text in the product’s technical specifications, and presented in bold type.

Administrative Measures for Pesticide Labels and Instruction Manuals

(Draft Amendment for Public Comment)

Chapter I General Provisions

Article 1: In order to standardize the management of pesticide labels and instruction manuals and to ensure the safety and efficacy of pesticide use, these Measures are formulated in accordance with the Regulations on the Administration of Pesticides.

Article 2: Pesticide products stored, transported, sold, or used within the territory of China shall bear labels printed on or affixed to their packaging. If the product packaging is too small to accommodate the information required by these Measures, an accompanying instruction manual shall be provided.

Article 3: For the purposes of these Measures, “labels and instructions” refer to all written, graphic, or symbolic materials affixed to or accompanying pesticide packaging that provide information about the pesticide.

Article 4. Applicants for pesticide registration shall submit samples of pesticide labels together with electronic files when applying for registration. For pesticides accompanied by an instruction manual, applicants shall also submit samples of the manual along with its electronic file.

Article 5: Pesticide labels and instructions for use shall be approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. When approving pesticide registration, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs shall publish the contents of the approved labels and instructions for use, as well as the date of approval.

Article 6: The content of labels and instruction manuals shall be truthful, standardized, and accurate; their text, symbols, and graphics shall be easily identifiable and readable. No unauthorized modifications or supplements may be made by means of pasting, cutting, altering, or other such methods.

Article 7: Labels and package inserts shall use standard Chinese characters as promulgated by the State; Pinyin or other scripts may be used concurrently. The meanings conveyed in such additional scripts shall be consistent with those of the Chinese characters.

Chapter 2: Basic Requirements

Article 8: Pesticide labels shall bear the following information:

　　(1) Pesticide name, formulation type, active ingredients, and their respective contents;

　　(2) The pesticide registration number, the product quality standard number, and the pesticide production license number;

　　(3) Pesticide categories, along with their color-coded hazard bands, product performance, toxicity, and labeling requirements;

　　(4) Scope of use, methods of application, dosage, technical requirements for use, and precautions; in addition, the corresponding dilution ratio shall be indicated according to the method of application.

　　(5) First-aid measures for poisoning;

　　(6) Storage and transportation methods;

　　(7) Production date, batch number, shelf life, and net content;

　　(8) Name and contact information of the pesticide registration certificate holder;

　　(9) Traceable electronic information code;

　　(10) Pictograms.

Article 9 In addition to the requirements set forth in Article 8, the following labeling requirements shall also be met for pesticide labels:

　　(1) For the technical‑grade (parent) product, the label shall state: “This product is a raw material for the manufacture of pesticide formulations and shall not be used on crops or in other settings.” Furthermore, no instructions on application techniques or methods shall be indicated. However, this requirement does not apply to products that have been registered and approved for direct use.

　　(2) Pesticides subject to restricted use shall be labeled with the words “Restricted Use” and shall specify any special restrictions and particular requirements for their application.

　　(3) Pesticides used on food agricultural products shall indicate the pre-harvest interval, except in cases falling under paragraph 3 of Article 18;

　　(4) Herbicides registered for use on genetically modified crops shall be labeled with the applicable GM crop and transformation event names; for herbicide‑tolerant crops produced through gene editing or other methods, the corresponding approved crop variety name shall be indicated.

　　(5) Where the use of a product requires the addition of specified additives, relevant information about such additives shall be indicated.

　　(6) Rodenticide products shall bear the prescribed rodenticide pictogram.

　　(7) Hygienic pesticides intended for direct use may be exempt from the requirement to display a characteristic color‑coded band.

　　(8) Labels for pesticides that are manufactured under contract or repackaged shall also indicate the contractor’s pesticide production license number, the contractor’s name and contact information, and the date of manufacture or repackaging.

　　(9) Pesticides exported to China may omit the pesticide production license number; however, they must indicate the country of manufacture, the name of the manufacturing enterprise, and the name and valid contact information of the representative office or agent established in China.

Article 10: If a pesticide label is too small to accommodate all the required information, it shall at least include the pesticide’s name, the content of the active ingredient, the formulation type, the registrant, the pesticide registration number, the net content, the date of manufacture, and the period of guaranteed quality, and shall be accompanied by an instruction manual. The instruction manual shall contain all the information prescribed by law.

When the registered scope of use is extensive and cannot be fully indicated on the label, a portion of the scope may be specified on the label as needed; however, an accompanying instruction manual must be provided, and the complete scope of use must be clearly stated.

Article 11: The name of a pesticide shall be consistent with the pesticide name stated on the pesticide registration certificate.

Article 12: Contact information shall include the address of the pesticide registration certificate holder, as well as the addresses of its place of business and production site, postal code, telephone number, fax number, and other relevant details.

Article 13: The date of manufacture shall be indicated in the order of year, month, and day, with the year expressed as a four-digit number and the month and day each expressed as a two-digit number. If the product batch number includes the date of manufacture, it may be combined with the date of manufacture for display.

Article 14: The warranty period shall be indicated as the duration of the warranty or the expiration date under normal conditions.

Article 15: The net content shall be expressed in the法定 units of measurement prescribed by the State. For special pesticide products, appropriate alternative methods may be used, depending on their specific characteristics.

Article 16: Product performance shall primarily include the product’s basic properties, principal functions, and characteristic modes of action. Descriptions of pesticide product performance shall be consistent with the approved scope of use and application methods as specified in the pesticide registration.

Article 17: The scope of use shall primarily include the applicable crops or locations and the target pests or diseases to be controlled.

Application methods refer to pesticide application techniques such as spraying, broadcasting, seed treatment, and fumigation.

The recommended dosage is typically expressed as the amount of the product applied per mu or as the dilution ratio. For seed treatment products, the dosage is specified as the quantity of the product used per 100 kilograms of seeds. For pesticides intended for special uses, the dosage shall be stated in accordance with the approved label information.

The dilution ratio refers to the number of times a pesticide formulation is diluted with water (or other media such as oil or soil), based on the application method and dosage.

Article 18: The technical requirements for use shall primarily include application conditions, timing of application, number of applications, maximum number of applications, impacts on the current crop and subsequent crops along with corresponding preventive measures, as well as the types of crops that may or may not be planted after the treated crop and the required interval.

When the use of pesticides is restricted, the label must indicate that warning signs are to be posted after application and specify the required waiting period before humans and livestock may re-enter the treated area.

The labeling of the pre-harvest interval and the maximum number of applications per crop production cycle shall be consistent with actual agricultural practices and pesticide use. The following pesticide labels may omit the pre-harvest interval:

(1) Pesticides intended for non-edible crops;

(2) Pesticides used for seed treatment of crops with a growing period exceeding three months, pre-emergence soil treatment, and application during the seedling stage;

(3) Pesticides used on non-cultivated land (excluding pastures);

(4) Rodenticides shall be applied in a targeted, site-specific manner rather than by broadcast application.

(5) Pesticides for sanitary use.

Article 19: Toxicity is classified into five levels—extremely toxic, highly toxic, moderately toxic, slightly toxic, and minimally toxic—and shall be indicated by the symbols “″″” and the words “Extremely Toxic,” “″″” and the words “Highly Toxic,” “″″” and the words “Moderately Toxic,” as well as the symbol “″″” and the words “Minimally Toxic.” The symbols shall be black, and the descriptive text shall be red.

For formulated products manufactured from highly toxic or acutely toxic pesticide technical materials, if the toxicity class of the formulation differs from the highest toxicity class of the technical material, the highest toxicity class of the technical material used shall be indicated in parentheses.

Article 20: The following information shall be indicated in the notes:

　　(1) For products that are likely to cause phytotoxicity to crops or to induce resistance in the target pests or pathogens, the primary causes and preventive measures shall be clearly indicated.

　　(2) For products that may readily have adverse effects on humans and livestock, surrounding crops or plants, beneficial organisms (such as bees, birds, silkworms, earthworms, natural enemies, and aquatic organisms like fish and daphnia), or the environment, such risks shall be clearly stated, and appropriate precautions for use and cleaning requirements for application equipment shall be indicated.

　　(3) Where it is known that the product cannot be mixed with other pesticides or substances, such restriction shall be clearly indicated.

　　(4) For packaging that is prone to spillage of the pharmaceutical product or personal injury upon opening, the correct method of opening shall be clearly indicated.

　　(5) Safety precautions to be taken during application;

　　(6) The scope of use or methods of use prohibited by national regulations, etc.

Article 21: First-aid measures for poisoning shall include information on the symptoms of poisoning, as well as emergency and treatment procedures for cases of ingestion, inhalation, splashing into the eyes, or skin contact with pesticides.

Where a specific antidote is available, it shall be clearly indicated, along with appropriate medical advice.

Highly toxic and acutely toxic pesticides shall be labeled with a telephone number for emergency first-aid consultation.

Article 22: Storage and transportation methods shall specify environmental requirements for storage, including light exposure, temperature, humidity, and ventilation, as well as precautions to be observed during loading, unloading, and transport. They shall also bear warning labels such as “Keep out of reach of children” and “Do not store together with food, beverages, grains, feed, or other similar products.”

Article 23: Pesticide categories shall be indicated by corresponding textual designations and characteristic color‑coded bands.

Pesticides of different categories are identified by a non‑fading, feature‑color band added to the bottom of the label, running parallel to the bottom edge.

Herbicides are indicated by the label “Herbicide” and a green band; insecticides (including acaricides and molluscicides) are indicated by the labels “Insecticide,” “Acaricide,” or “Insecticide/Acaricide,” “Molluscicide,” along with a red band; fungicides (including nematicides) are indicated by the label “Fungicide” or “Nematicide,” accompanied by a black band; plant growth regulators are indicated by the label “Plant Growth Regulator” and a dark yellow band; rodenticides are indicated by the label “Rodenticide” and a blue band; and insecticide–fungicide products are indicated by the label “Insecticide–Fungicide” and both red and black bands. The descriptive text for each pesticide category shall be embedded within the identification band, with colors that contrast sharply with the band’s background. Other types of pesticides may omit the characteristic color‑coded band.

Article 24: Traceable electronic information codes shall be marked in the form of QR codes or other formats, enabling the scanning and identification of information such as the pesticide name and the name of the holder of the pesticide registration certificate. Such codes shall not contain any text, symbols, or graphics that violate the provisions of these Measures.

Each pesticide package used for storage, transportation, or sale shall bear a traceability electronic information code, and the traceability codes on the inner and outer packaging shall be interlinked. The format of the traceability electronic information code and the requirements for its generation shall be separately prescribed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

Article 25: Pictograms include storage pictograms, handling pictograms, caution pictograms, and warning pictograms. Pictograms shall be selected in accordance with the requirements for safe product use and arranged in compliance with the actual operating procedures and sequence of use; however, they may not substitute for the necessary textual instructions on the label.

Article 26: Labels and package inserts shall not bear any text, symbols, or graphics that convey promotional or advertising content, nor shall they indicate awards or honorary titles conferred upon the enterprise. Where otherwise provided by laws, regulations, or rules, such provisions shall prevail.

Chapter 3: Production, Use, and Management

Article 27: Each package of pesticide intended for storage, transportation, or sale shall bear a separate label; it shall not share packaging or labels with other pesticides or articles, nor shall it use the same label.

Article 28: The font height of Chinese characters on the label shall not be less than 1.8 millimeters.

Article 29: The name of a pesticide shall be conspicuous and prominent, with uniform font, type size, and color, and shall comply with the following requirements:

　　(1) For landscape‑oriented labels, the indication shall be prominently displayed at the center of the upper one-third of the label; for portrait‑oriented labels, it shall be prominently displayed at the center of the right one-third of the label.

　　(2) Cursive script, seal script, and other fonts that are difficult to read shall not be used; nor shall fonts be modified by means of italics, hollow characters, shadows, or similar effects.

　　(3) The font color shall contrast sharply with the background color.

　　(4) Except where the dimensions of the packaging preclude writing in a single line, no line breaks shall be used.

Except for the words “Restricted Use,” the font size of all other text on the label shall not exceed that of the pesticide’s name.

Article 30: The active ingredient(s) and their content, as well as the formulation type, shall be clearly indicated immediately below the pesticide name on horizontal labels or to the immediate left of it on vertical labels. (For sanitary pesticides intended for direct use, the formulation type need not be labeled.) The font height shall be no less than one-half the height of the pesticide name.

Mixed‑formulation products shall bear the total content of active ingredients, as well as the common Chinese names and contents of each active ingredient. The common Chinese names and contents of each active ingredient shall be prominently displayed directly below the product name on horizontal labels or immediately to the left of the product name on vertical labels; the font, font size, and color must be uniform, and the font height shall not be less than one‑half the height of the product name.

Article 31: Pesticide labels and instructions for use shall not bear unregistered brand logos or trademarks, and a single manufacturer may use only one brand logo or trademark.

When a label bears a registered brand logo or trademark, it shall be placed at one of the four corners of the label, with its area not exceeding one-ninth of the label’s total surface area; moreover, the font size of the textual portion shall not exceed half the font size of the pesticide name.

Article 32: Toxicity information and its labeling shall be placed directly below the content of active ingredients and the dosage form on horizontal labels, or to the immediate left on vertical labels, and shall contrast sharply with the background color.

Pictograms shall be printed in black and white, typically positioned at the bottom of the label, and their size shall be proportionate to the label’s dimensions.

The pre-harvest interval and the number of applications shall be clearly indicated, using a font size larger than that of other text in the technical instructions, and presented in bold type.

Article 33: The words “Restricted Use” shall be marked in red at the upper right or upper left corner of the front side of the pesticide label, with a strong contrast to the background color, and its font size shall not be smaller than that of the pesticide name.

Herbicides intended for use on genetically modified crops shall be labeled in red with “Name of the Genetically Modified Crop and Transformant”; those intended for use on herbicide-tolerant crops, such as those developed through gene editing, shall be labeled “Herbicide-Tolerant Crop.”

Article 34: Labels shall not contain any content that is false or likely to mislead users. Any of the following circumstances shall be deemed to constitute false or misleading content:

　　(1) Misleading users to expand the scope of use, increase the dosage, or alter the method of administration;

　　(2) The labeling of sanitary pesticides shall include text, symbols, and graphics intended for special populations such as children, pregnant women, and individuals with allergies;

　　(3) Exaggerating product performance and effects, engaging in false advertising, disparaging other products, or making comparisons with other products that are likely to mislead or confuse users;

　　(4) Using the name or image of any organization or individual as certification or endorsement;

　　(5) Containing assertions or guarantees of high yields, yield increases, eradication, or complete elimination, as well as absolute language and expressions such as “instant effect”;

　　(6) Containing promises such as “insurance coverage by the insurer” or “refund in case of invalidity”;

　　(7) Other content that is false or misleading to users.

Article 35: Labels and package inserts shall not contain any text, graphics, or symbols pertaining to uses or methods of use that have not been registered and approved.

Article 36: Except for the name and contact information of the pesticide registration certificate holder, enterprise, or institution as required by these Measures, no other names or contact information of any enterprise or institution may be indicated on the label.

Article 37: Labeling content pertaining to the safety and efficacy of pesticide products, such as product toxicity, precautions, and technical requirements, shall not be altered without prior approval. Information that serves as proof of the product or is related to the manufacturer—such as the license certificate number, date of manufacture, and contact details of the enterprise—shall be independently indicated by the enterprise, which shall bear responsibility for its accuracy.

Article 38: Where the holder of a pesticide registration certificate seeks to amend the label or the product safety and efficacy information on the package insert, they shall apply to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs for re‑approval.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs shall make an approval decision within three months.

Article 39: Based on monitoring and evaluation results and other relevant information, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs may require the holder of a pesticide registration certificate to revise the label and instructions for use and to obtain re‑approval.

Article 40: Three months after the re-approval of labels and package inserts, the original labels and package inserts may no longer be used.

Article 41: Any violation of these Measures shall be subject to penalties in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Regulations on the Administration of Pesticides.

Chapter IV Supplementary Provisions

Article 42 This Measures shall come into force as of [Year] [Month] [Day]. The “Administrative Measures on Pesticide Labels and Instructions” promulgated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs shall be repealed concurrently.

For existing product labels or instructions that do not comply with these Measures, such labels and instructions shall be replaced with those conforming to the provisions of these Measures as of [Year] [Month] [Day].

Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs