The Pesticides Control Board (PCB) in Malawi has initiated a review of licenses for the importation and distribution of Aluminium Phosphide, a highly hazardous pesticide. This move comes after evidence emerged that the substance is being sold to unauthorized users and broken down into individual tablets for sale. PCB registrar James Kaphale emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating that new measures would be announced shortly to address the issue.
The review follows critical meetings between the PCB and key players in the Aluminium Phosphide supply chain, including CropLife Malawi and the Agro-Dealers Association. During these meetings, the regulator raised concerns over the improper sale and misuse of the pesticide, noting that some agro-dealers were selling it to unauthorized users, leading to severe consequences such as suicide. The PCB also found that some dealers were decanting the product and selling it in single tablets, a practice that violates regulatory requirements.
CropLife Malawi acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and proposed measures to tighten licensing, strengthen inspections, and improve training and certification of fumigators and agro-dealers. The association also suggested publishing a list of licensed operators to enhance transparency and accountability. Similar concerns were raised during a meeting with the Agro-Dealers Association, which admitted that Aluminium Phosphide was reaching people without authorization or training.
The Agro-Dealers Association noted that the scarcity of liquid Actellic had pushed some farmers towards tablet-based products, contributing to the misuse of Aluminium Phosphide. The association called for stronger licensing, tighter monitoring, and more rigorous inspections to prevent the unauthorized sale and use of the pesticide. The PCB Board formally resolved to review all licenses for Highly Hazardous Pesticides, including Aluminium Phosphide, giving regulatory backing to the consultations.
Aluminium Phosphide releases phosphine gas, an extremely poisonous substance, when it comes into contact with moisture. Exposure to the gas can cause severe poisoning, breathing difficulties, dangerously low blood pressure, heart problems, shock, organ damage, and death. Breaking the pesticide into individual tablets and selling them to untrained users creates a particularly dangerous pathway for misuse.
The PCB's review aims to establish whether current licensing arrangements provide adequate control over the importation, distribution, and use of Aluminium Phosphide. Kaphale stressed that the control of highly hazardous pesticides cannot be taken lightly and that the regulator must close the gaps in the licensing and distribution system. The review will help identify the gaps and determine how Aluminium Phosphide is getting into the hands of unauthorized people.
The review of licenses is part of a broader effort to regulate the use of Highly Hazardous Pesticides in Malawi. The PCB's actions are expected to lead to tighter controls and more effective enforcement, reducing the risks associated with the misuse of Aluminium Phosphide and other hazardous substances.
Key points
- The Pesticides Control Board in Malawi has launched a review of Aluminium Phosphide licenses due to concerns over unauthorized sales and misuse.
- The review aims to establish whether current licensing arrangements provide adequate control over the importation, distribution, and use of Aluminium Phosphide.
- The misuse of Aluminium Phosphide can cause severe poisoning, breathing difficulties, and death, highlighting the need for effective regulation and enforcement.
