International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management

FAO; WHO;

International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management

Guidance note on addressing illegal trade of pesticides

Year of publication 2025

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 22 p.

Author FAO; WHO;

Publisher FAO ; WHO ;

Product type Book (stand-alone)

ISBN 978-92-5-139676-6

Full item page

To cite or share https://doi.org/10.4060/cd4717en

Synopsis (short abstract) The International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management provides countries with a framework for supervision over pesticides within their territories. The illegal trade of pesticides poses significant risks to public health, environmental safety, and agricultural integrity. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has established the Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides to address these issues through the development of the guidance note on illegal trade of pesticides. This guidance note promotes safe practices in pesticide distribution and use, ensuring only approved products are available on the market. It provides concise technical guidelines to elaborate specific articles of the Code of Conduct. It is specifically designed for the regulatory authorities, distributors, retailers and end users involved in trading of pesticides. Illegal pesticides undermine legitimate businesses and disrupt fair competition within the agrochemical industry. This guidance note helps establish a level playing field by promoting compliance with regulations and encouraging distributors and retailers to implement comprehensive strategies that not only address illegal activities but also promote safer agricultural activities. It is a global issue linked to organized crime groups and requires coordinated efforts across borders. This document fosters international collaboration by providing a common set of standards and practices for countries to adopt, essential for monitoring trade flows, sharing information about illegal activities, and enforcing regulations effectively. This guidance also provides a One Health strategy which is crucial in addressing the various difficulties posed by the illegal pesticide trade. In addition, it also provides mitigation strategies to tackle this issue, various options should be considered, including raising awareness, initiating campaigns, promoting responsible trade, building poison testing centres, strengthening cooperation, improving coordination, screening pesticides, modernizing compliance, securing funding, establishing a robust data collection system, conducting research, strengthening ties with public health initiatives, and strengthening global, regional, and national cooperation.

Last updated 12/05/2025

Cite this content as:

FAO & WHO. 2025. International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management – Guidance on addressing illegal trade of pesticides. Rome.

https://doi.org/10.4060/cd4717en

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Language English

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