The understanding that some pesticides are more hazardous than others is well established. Recognition of this is reflected by the World Health Organization (WHO) Recommended Classification of Pesticides by Hazard, which was first published in 1975. The document classifies pesticides in one of five hazard classes according to their acute toxicity. In 2002, the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) was introduced, which in addition to acute toxicity also provides classification of chemicals according to their chronic health hazards and environmental hazards.

The objective of this guidance on fulfilling the reporting requirements of Article 12 of the Code of Conduct is to obtain a regular flow of information on its observance to strengthen implementation of the Code, to provide data for its future revisions and improvement, and, most importantly, to improve the protection of human health and the environment related to pesticide use and management in agriculture and public health. The guidance was prepared in compliance with the FAO/WHO International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management, which sets out a framework and voluntary standards of conduct for stakeholders in pesticide management, in particular governments and the pesticide industry. Endorsed by FAO, WHO, governments, pesticide producers, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders, the Code outlines their shared responsibility to promote best practice and risk reduction throughout the pesticide life cycle. The Code of Conduct thereby establishes the commitment and moral obligation of stakeholders to comply with the agreed standards of conduct and to assume their respective responsibilities. These include governments’ responsibility to promote pesticide risk reduction and the industry’s responsibility to produce products that are adapted to the context of their use and to provide stewardship of those products throughout their life cycle. This guidance was prepared with the support of the FAO/WHO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Management (JMPM) to provide further guidance on the provisions of the Code of Conduct related to its observance and implementation. It reflects the joint FAO/WHO approach to pesticide management, thus addressing the topic in both agricultural and public health settings.

The purpose of the guidelines is to provide guidance to governments that seek to review, update or design national pesticide legislation. It should be emphasized, however, that legislation alone cannot ensure effective pesticide management and adequate protection of the environment and public health. Governments will need to have in place the necessary institutional infrastructure for registering pesticides and enforcing legislation. Further, governments also need effective supporting policies and tools to promote sustainable pest and pesticide management. This may include promoting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Integrated Vector Management (IVM) through training programmes and incentive schemes, increasing availability and use of low risk products, fostering scientific research, carrying out public education campaigns and providing training for inspectors, retailers and professional users. A solid legislative framework should underpin the selected institutional framework, policies and tools. This document supersedes the Guidelines for Legislation on the Control of Pesticides of 1989.

Pesticides are widely used by pest control operators (PCOs) for the control of vectors, pests of public health importance, stored product pests, structural pests such as termites and wood-boring insects, as well as weeds along highways and public places. The use of pesticides in close proximity to the human population by PCOs who are untrained, lacking in competence and unregulated in many countries is of great concern. Such uncontrolled pest control activities not only affect human health and at times even kill but also cause adverse environmental effects and shorten the period of availability of much needed pesticides due to resistance.

The use of household pesticides to control pests and disease vectors in homes and gardens is common in high-income countries (HICs) and is increasing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where such pesticides are often sold in local shops and informal markets for use by the general public. The human and environmental risks from the use of these products should not be underestimated. The incorrect use and improper storage and disposal of household pesticides, often due to the absence of any training in pesticide use or risks as well as poor understanding of label information, results in many poisoning and self-harm incidents every year.