The Status of Pesticide Registration in Ethiopia

Abstract

The main objective of pesticide registration is to minimize, to the extent realizable, the adverse effects of pesticides to human beings, animals, plants and the environment. The first regulation concerning pesticide registration in Ethiopia was a single article included in the Plant Quarantine Decree of 1971. However, this article was insufficient to enforce an effective pesticide registration scheme in the country. Later on, through relentless efforts of crop protection experts serving in the various government organizations and institutions, the current "Pesticide Registration and Control Special Decree No. 20/1990" was issued on September 1, 1990. According
to this Decree, it is illegal to manufacture, import, sell or use pesticides that are not registered in the country. To register a pesticide in Ethiopia, data on specification, efficacy, toxicology, environmental effects, and residues in food are essential. Pesticide samples, label specimens and other supporting documents are also required. These data are evaluated first by the pesticide sub-committee and then by the Pesticide Advisory Committee. Registration is approved for pesticides that are found to be effective for the intended purpose without undue hazard to the users and the environment. A total of 59 pesticide products, consisting of 38 insecticides, 15
herbicides, four fungicides, one acaricide, and one rodenticide have been registered as of 8 January 1997.