Nationwide Inspection of Pesticide Retailers... Crackdown on Illegal and Substandard Pesticides

Joint Inspections by the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service and Local Governments from April 1 to September 30

The National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service announced on March 26 that, from April 1 to September 30, it will conduct inspections of pesticide distribution at all registered pesticide retailers nationwide in cooperation with local governments.

This inspection aims to prevent the distribution of illegal and substandard pesticides in advance and to establish order in pesticide distribution. The National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service and local governments will form joint inspection teams and target all pesticide retailers nationwide (5,700 locations). The inspections will take place in two phases: the first half (April to May) and the second half (August to September).

The main focus of the inspection includes: ▲ whether illegal pesticides, such as unregistered or smuggled pesticides, are being handled; ▲ whether substandard pesticides, such as those past their efficacy guarantee period, are being distributed; and ▲ whether retailers are failing to comply with pesticide handling restrictions and price labeling requirements. If violations of the law are identified, administrative actions such as suspension of business, as well as fines or penalty surcharges in accordance with the Pesticide Control Act, will be imposed.

Chul Kim, head of the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service, stated, "We plan to continue regular inspections to create a safe environment for pesticide use," and added, "We ask that pesticide retailers strictly comply with the relevant standards and actively cooperate to ensure safe pesticide distribution."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.