Overview of the Release of Pesticide-Related Standards in China in 2021

Release Date:

2022-07-07

Standards serve as the technical foundation for economic and social development, providing uniform specifications for repetitive objects and concepts. They are formulated on the basis of a synthesis of scientific knowledge, technological advances, and practical experience, and function as normative documents that are jointly observed and relied upon, having been adopted through consultation and approval. To keep abreast of developments in the formulation and revision of pesticide standards in China, to promote inter‑sectoral exchanges on standardization efforts, and to strengthen the dissemination and implementation of these standards so as to better realize their social and economic benefits, the author has compiled a summary of pesticide‑related standards announced in China in 2021 (Tables 1–4), encompassing a total of 315 standards. Among these, 27 are national standards under revision or newly established, including 14 mandatory standards and 13 recommended standards; 40 are industry standards, comprising 28 agricultural standards, 2 natural resources standards, 2 public health standards, 3 environmental protection standards, 1 judicial administration standard, and 4 entry‑exit inspection and quarantine standards; 72 are local standards; and 176 are group standards.

In line with the spirit of the “Key Work Priorities for National Standardization in 2020,” the state will gradually reduce the number of general‑purpose industry standards and encourage social organizations to take on standard‑setting responsibilities in relevant fields. Over the past two years, a large number of group and local standards have emerged, enriching and diversifying the pesticide standards landscape; among these, application‑oriented standards—such as pest‑control technical specifications—account for a significant share. Given the broad origins and substantial volume of group and local standards, it is difficult to compile them all. This paper therefore focuses on selecting and presenting a representative subset of standards that are closely related to pesticides, aiming to provide readers with valuable information and reference resources. It is hoped that coordinated efforts to advance standardization, coupled with multidisciplinary exchanges and innovation, will ensure rigorous quality and scientific soundness of the standards themselves, thereby enhancing their normative rigor and practical applicability. Ultimately, this will help establish a standards system at an internationally advanced level and actively promote the healthy development of the industry.

Table 1 National Standards