Libya’s ministry of environment defines pesticide rules 

The Minister of Environment in the Government of National Unity, issued a Decree on the adoption of the regulatory list of prohibited or restricted active substances in agricultural pesticide preparations, as reported by Libya Eye on August 26th.

The decision stipulates the establishment of a regulatory list of prohibited and restricted active substances in agricultural preparations, and the adoption of the first regulatory version of the list in 2026.

According to the decision, it is prohibited to register, manufacture, import, trade, or use any product that contains a prohibited active substance listed in the list, within limits and set provisions specified for each substance.

The Ministry of Environment confirmed that the non-inclusion of an item in the list does not mean that its use is allowed, as other materials remain subject to evaluations in accordance with the applicable procedures. It explained that the identification of prohibited or restricted substances was based on the level of health and environmental risks, and the possibility of managing and controlling these risks in national circumstances, in addition to applying the precautionary approach guided by regulatory measures adopted in the European Union.

The decision defined active ingredients as the ingredient responsible for the pesticide effect of each product, while a prohibited pesticide would mean a pesticide that contains an active ingredient that has been banned according to the most recent version of the list. 

The decision stipulates that substances marked with the symbol (1-EX) are subject to a conditional exception until August 11th 2027, and this exception is not considered a general license as its effect is limited to the circulation of products during the time of exemption. 

The decision also suspended the issuance of new import permits for these items as of the date of its issuance, while allowing the release of imports after conducting inspections to ensure conformity with regulations. 

The exception will expire on August 11, 2027, and the full ban will be taking effect from August 12th, 2027 without the need to issue another action. 

The decision comes within the framework of regulating the handling of active substances used in agricultural pesticides, alongside tightening control over substances that pose risk to either or both health and environment. 

Libya Eye, Maghrebi.org.