A review of the global pesticide legislation and the scale of challenge in reaching the global harmonization of food safety standards

ABSTRACT Pesticide use is important in agriculture to protect crops and improve productivity. However, pesticides have the potential to cause adverse human health or environmental effects, depending on exposure levels. This review examines existing pesticide legislation worldwide, focusing on the level of harmonization and impacts of differing legislation on food safety and trade. Pesticide legislation varies greatly worldwide, because countries have different requirements, guidelines, and legal limits for plant protection. Developed nations have more stringent regulations than developing countries, which lack the resources and expertise to adequately implement and enforce legislation. Global differences in pesticide legislation act as a technical barrier to trade. International parties such as the European Union (EU), Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), and North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) have attempted to harmonize pesticide legislation by providing maximum residue limits (MRLs), but globally these limits remain variable. Globally harmonized pesticide standards would serve to increase productivity, profits, and trade and also enhance the ability to protect public health and the environment. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2015;9999:1–12. © 2015 SETAC Key Points At present, pesticide legislation is developed and enforced on a national basis, with developed nations having more stringent regulations than developing countries. Global differences in pesticide regulations act as a technical barrier to trade. International parties have attempted to harmonize pesticide legislation. Single, globally acceptable pesticide standards are desirable to increase productivity, profits and trade, and protect public health and the environment.