New regulations have been introduced for pesticide label management, further refining the requirements for pesticide label approval.

In accordance with the Measures for the Administration of Pesticide Labels and Instructions, in order to further refine the review of technical requirements for use, product performance, precautions, first‑aid measures for poisoning, storage and transportation methods, and the period of guaranteed quality, and to better guide farmers in the scientific and rational application of pesticides, the Pesticide Registration Review Committee has deliberated and adopted the “Opinions on Further Refining the Requirements for the Approval of Pesticide Labels.” These opinions shall serve as a reference for applicants for pesticide registration and holders of pesticide registration certificates when preparing pesticide labels, and shall also be used as guidance during the approval process for pesticide labels.

To better guide farmers in the scientific and rational use of pesticides, and in accordance with the Measures for the Administration of Pesticide Labels and Instructions, we are further refining the requirements for pesticide label approval. The following recommendations are hereby put forward regarding technical requirements for label use, product performance, precautions, first‑aid measures for poisoning, storage and transportation methods, and the period of guaranteed quality, among other matters.

01 Technical Requirements for Use

Technical requirements for use primarily include application conditions, timing of application, number of applications, maximum number of applications, impacts on the current and subsequent crops along with corresponding preventive measures, as well as the types of crops that may or may not be planted after application and the required interval. For restricted-use pesticides, warning signs must be clearly marked on the label to indicate the period following application, and the permissible waiting period before humans and livestock may re-enter the treated area must be specified. All relevant information shall be labeled in accordance with the following requirements.

Provide detailed information on the timing, application method, and conditions for pesticide use based on the target pest or weed; for example, apply a water‑based spray evenly during the early peak emergence of young larvae, or spray stems and leaves uniformly with a water‑based formulation when weeds are at the 4–5 leaf stage. For products requiring multiple applications, specify the interval between treatments based on efficacy trial data.

For pesticides used in dilution, the amount of water to be added during application—expressed in kilograms per mu—shall be indicated in the “Application Instructions” section of the label, based on efficacy test data; this does not apply to formulations diluted with oil. For use on food crops, reasonable usage recommendations, including the maximum number of applications per season and the pre-harvest interval, shall be provided on the basis of efficacy and residue‑testing data, unless exemption is permitted under relevant regulations.

Crops harvested at different growth stages shall have their pre-harvest intervals labeled separately. For example, if a particular crop may be treated up to X times per season, the pre-harvest interval for green beans is X days, and the pre-harvest interval for soybeans is X days. Herbicides, plant growth regulators, and other pesticides used only during specific crop‑development stages shall specify the application timing and indicate the maximum number of applications per season; a pre-harvest interval need not be indicated. The label of the technical grade (parent) active ingredient does not include product‑use instructions, except for those technical grades that have been approved and registered for direct use.

02 Product Performance

Product performance primarily encompasses the product’s basic characteristics, mode of action, and principal functions. Descriptions of product performance shall be scientifically accurate and concise, consistent with the approved scope of use and intended method of application, and shall not employ exaggerated or promotional language.

The label of the technical grade (parent) active ingredient 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,” except for technical-grade active ingredients that have been approved and registered for direct use.

03 Precautions

Precautions shall indicate any potential adverse effects on crops, humans and animals, beneficial organisms, and the environment, as well as corresponding protective measures. Products with combustible, explosive, oxidizing (or reducing) properties shall clearly state such characteristics, e.g., “This product is flammable, explosive, oxidizing, or reducing.” Other relevant information shall be labeled in accordance with the following requirements.

For crops: Risk‑warning information regarding phytotoxicity or measures for managing resistance should be clearly indicated. For example, if the product is a long‑lasting herbicide, attention should be paid to crop‑rotation intervals to prevent phytotoxicity in subsequent crops. Based on resistance‑risk assessment studies, products with moderate or high resistance risk must state: “Moderate (or high) resistance risk exists; it is recommended to rotate this product with insecticides, fungicides, or herbicides that have different modes of action to delay the development of resistance.”

For human and animal health: Products that are irritating or corrosive to the skin or eyes, or that may cause skin sensitization, shall be labeled with “Irritating (or corrosive) to the skin,” “Irritating (or corrosive) to the eyes,” or “Skin sensitizing,” along with appropriate safety precautions, such as: “Wear long-sleeved clothing, long pants, boots, a hat, goggles, a mask, gloves, and other protective equipment during application”; “Do not eat, drink, or smoke during application”; “Wash hands and face promptly after application, and launder any clothing worn during treatment”; or “Keep this product away from children, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and individuals with allergies.”

Regarding environmental impacts: Formulated products should generally bear the following labels: “Pesticide packaging waste must not be discarded or disposed of at will; it must be promptly returned to a designated pesticide‑packaging‑waste collection point,” and “Do not wash application equipment in rivers, ponds, or other water bodies, and do not arbitrarily dump any leftover spray solution after application.” Based on the results of environmental risk assessments and ecotoxicity tests, additional labeling requirements shall be added in the following order: aquatic ecosystems, birds, honeybees, silkworms, groundwater, and non‑target arthropods.

1. Risk assessment results at the preliminary stage indicate a potential risk to aquatic organisms, or for formulations that are moderately toxic or more to aquatic life and have a high likelihood of exposure, the label shall bear the statement: “Do not use in aquaculture zones, ponds, other water bodies, or nearby areas.” In addition, rice seed treatment products must also carry the label: “Do not use in paddy fields where fish, shrimp, or crabs are co-cultured”; and those applied directly to rice paddies must further state: “Do not use in paddy fields where fish, shrimp, or crabs are co-cultured” and “Do not discharge paddy water containing the product directly into water bodies.”

    

2. For products that are moderately toxic or more to birds and are formulated as seed treatments, granules, or other preparations with a high potential for avian exposure, or for general‑use formulations whose preliminary risk assessments indicate a potential risk to birds, the label shall bear the statement “Do not use in or near bird conservation areas.” Additionally, seed treatments and granular formulations applied by furrow or hole application must also carry the warning “Cover with soil immediately after sowing” or “Cover with soil immediately after application.”

    

3. For products posing risks to bees and applied via spray, the label must state: “Do not apply during the flowering period of the treated field or nearby plants; closely monitor the impact on nearby bee colonies during use.” When the registered crops include nectar‑ and pollen‑producing plants, or when the pesticide cannot be applied outside the flowering period, the label must also read: “Notify local beekeepers and those within 3,000 meters of the application site at least three days prior to treatment, so they may take appropriate safety precautions.”

    

4. The risk to the domestic silkworm is unacceptable; therefore, the label should state “Do not use near silkworm rearing facilities or mulberry orchards.” For products applied directly to mulberry trees, the label must indicate “The pre-harvest interval for harvesting mulberry leaves for silkworm rearing is X days.”

    

5. Products that pose a potential risk to groundwater or contain atrazine shall be labeled “Prohibited in Groundwater and Drinking Water Source Protection Areas.”

    

6. The risk to non-target arthropods is unacceptable, and the label should also state: “Do not use in areas where natural enemies such as Trichogramma wasps (or other representative beneficial insects) are released.”

    

7. Pesticides intended for indoor use shall be labeled “For indoor use only.” For products classified as moderately toxic to bees or higher, or for which no bee‑toxicity data are available, the label must also state “Do not use in or near silkworm rearing facilities.” Pesticides intended for outdoor use shall be labeled in accordance with the aforementioned principles applicable to agricultural and forestry pesticides, taking into account the product type and scope of application.

    

8. Depending on the specific characteristics or intended use of the pesticide, additional labeling may be included, such as “Highly toxic to aquatic organisms (or other organisms)” or “To protect honeybees and other pollinating insects, apply only during non‑peak hours.”

    

The label of the technical (parent) material shall bear relevant information based on the results of ecotoxicity tests, such as “Highly toxic to aquatic organisms,” etc.

04 First Aid Measures for Poisoning

First‑aid measures for poisoning shall include information on symptoms of poisoning, as well as emergency and treatment procedures for ingestion, inhalation, eye contact, and skin exposure to pesticides. Where specific antidotes are available, they shall be clearly indicated, along with corresponding medical advice. For highly toxic and acutely toxic pesticides, a telephone number for poison‑control consultation must be provided.

Symptoms of poisoning: Where appropriate, describe separately the adverse reactions or symptoms associated with different routes of exposure, such as ingestion, inhalation, eye contact, or skin contact with the pesticide.

First-aid measures: include methods for removing pesticides and principles of treatment. Depending on the pesticide’s characteristics and mode of application, the following removal methods may be specified:

⑴ Individuals who have accidentally ingested the substance should immediately rinse their mouth with clean water, and whether to induce vomiting should be determined based on the pesticide’s toxicity, characteristics, and the amount ingested.

⑵ If individuals exposed via inhalation or those who have come into contact with pesticides in confined spaces (enclosed or semi-enclosed environments) experience discomfort, they should be immediately moved to a well-ventilated area and their airways kept clear.

⑶ Individuals with skin contamination should be rinsed thoroughly with copious amounts of running water. During rinsing, do not overlook areas such as the hair, perineum, and skin folds. Avoid using hot water, and neutralizing agents are not recommended. When conditions permit, first gently wipe away any adherent pesticide with a soft towel, then proceed with rinsing. If the eyes are contaminated, flush them with clean water or saline solution for at least 10 minutes.

05 Storage and Transportation Methods

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. Based on the specific characteristics of each product, the following warning statements shall be clearly marked: “This product should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from sources of ignition and heat”; “This product must be kept out of reach of children and animals and stored under lock”; “Do not store together with food, beverages, grains, feed, or other such items.” For flammable liquids, aerosols, and similar products, appropriate warnings shall read: “This product is a flammable liquid; keep away from sources of ignition, heat, or electrical appliances,” or “This product is a pressurized container and classified as a flammable substance; keep away from sources of ignition, heat, or electrical appliances, and avoid prolonged direct sunlight.”

06 Warranty Period

It shall be labeled in accordance with the product quality standards, specifying the product’s warranty period as determined at the time of registration.

07 Other Requirements

(1) Standard Use of Punctuation Marks

1. Serial numbers. When serial numbers are required in the text, they should be indicated by “Arabic numerals followed by a period in the lower right corner,” such as “1.×××. 2.×××.” Each serial number must end with a period, and no space should follow it. Do not use “1、,” “1,” “[1],” “⑴,” “①,” “*,” or “·” as serial numbers.

2. Hyphens between numbers. Use an en dash “—” rather than a hyphen “-”, as in “200–300 milliliters of water,” “3–6 leaf stage,” and so on.

3. Punctuation marks. Commas, periods, semicolons, colons, and the like should be rendered using full-width symbols; do not use half-width Western-style symbols.

(II) Standardized Use of Units of Measurement

Chinese characters should be used consistently; for example, length units such as “meter” and “centimeter”; mass units such as “kilogram,” “gram,” and “milligram”; volume units such as “milliliter” and “liter”; and time units such as “minute” and “hour.” Abbreviations like “m,” “cm,” “kg,” “g,” “mg,” “ml,” “l,” “min,” or “hr” are not permitted. Dosage quantities in formulations should be expressed in Chinese followed by a forward slash “/,” e.g., “grams/acre” or “milliliters/acre.” The percentage sign for the mass fraction of the active ingredient should be written as a half-width “%,” and the unit of mass concentration should be expressed as “grams/liter”; expressions such as “g/acre,” “ml/acre,” or “g/l” are prohibited.

(3) Standardized Use of Chinese Characters

Standard Chinese characters should be used, and variant or erroneous characters should be avoided. For example, in “不得挪作他用,” do not use variants such as “做” or “它”; in “兑水喷雾,” do not use “对水”; and in “避免飘移到其他作物,” do not use “漂移.” Foreign scripts, including English and Japanese, should not be used.

Source: Pesticide Management Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs