Chlorpyrifos: The Facts

Chlorpyrifos Under Scrutiny at International Conventions: The 2025 Conferences of the Parties (COPs) to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions in Geneva (April 28-May 9) are addressing hazardous chemicals, including chlorpyrifos.

Global Concerns: Chlorpyrifos, classified as ‘moderately hazardous’ by WHO, is banned in over 40 countries but still used in India on 18 crops.

Health and Environmental Risks: Chlorpyrifos is linked to neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, irreversible brain damage in unborn children, and ecosystem contamination.

PAN India Advocacy: Pesticide Action Network (PAN) India is advocating for:

• Inclusion of chlorpyrifos in Annex III of the Rotterdam Convention (prior informed consent for trade).
• Inclusion in Annex A of the Stockholm Convention (global ban), citing safer alternatives.

Illegal Use in India: A 2022 report revealed unauthorized use of chlorpyrifos and other agrochemicals, raising regulatory and enforcement concerns.

CIBRC’s Role: The Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC) regulates insecticides in India, operating under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, established under The Insecticides Act, 1968.

Indian Experts Call for Ban: Indian experts are urging an immediate ban on chlorpyrifos, emphasizing its continued threat to public health, future generations and ecosystems.