The Ministry of Agriculture of Myanmar has officially announced a comprehensive upgrade to its pesticide regulatory framework, introducing new restrictions covering high-risk active ingredients, suspension of certain registrations, defined regional use limitations, and strengthened rotational safety controls. The measures take immediate effect upon issuance.
Under the new regulation, thiamethoxam and clothianidin have been classified as prohibited pesticides for a period of two years. The restriction applies across seven states and regions, including Nay Pyi Taw. Regulatory controls extend across the full lifecycle of product management, including registration, circulation, and reporting requirements.
Key regulatory provisions include:
- Suspension of new registration applications for thiamethoxam and clothianidin, as well as suspension of applications for renewal of existing registrations;
- Restriction of distribution of already registered products exclusively to non-prohibited areas, with cross-regional sales strictly prohibited;
- Mandatory full-process recordkeeping for transportation and sales, with monthly reporting to local agricultural authorities;
- Immediate seizure of products and rectification orders in cases of non-compliance, with additional penalties imposed for serious violations.
In parallel, the Ministry has introduced rotational control measures for 11 active ingredients identified as presenting potential long-term risks. These products are placed under a rotational period framework of four planting cycles or more, and residue trials will be conducted to assess potential impacts on resistant strains and subsequent crops. Regulatory decisions will be adjusted based on trial outcomes.
The 11 active ingredients subject to rotational assessment are:
Ametryn
Chlorimuron-ethyl
Diuron
Imazethapyr
Imazapic
Metribuzin
Nicosulfuron
Oxyfluorfen
Prometryn
Quinclorac
Trifluralin
During the testing period, authorities will suspend acceptance of new registration applications for the above-listed products. Applications already submitted will not be processed. Products that have already obtained registration approval may continue to apply for import permits under existing procedures.
Upon completion of residue and impact assessments, regulatory authorities will determine whether continued use is permissible. If no adverse effects on subsequent crops are identified, use will remain allowed; if adverse effects are confirmed, comprehensive prohibition measures will be implemented.
Myanmar has been one of Southeast Asia’s key pesticide import markets in recent years, with progressively tightened registration requirements and evolving compliance standards. The newly issued measures reflect a continued shift toward stricter regulatory oversight and enhanced environmental and crop safety considerations.
Further implementation details and enforcement practices are expected to be clarified through subsequent administrative guidance by the relevant authorities.
