The Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) of Kenya has introduced a new requirement for the submission of Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) as part of the pest control product registration procedure. Effective immediately, CRMs submitted for registration must be sourced from manufacturers certified by ISO/IEC 17034. This international standard ensures the highest quality and reliability of reference materials, supporting accurate and consistent testing findings.

Labelling Requirements for CRMs

To ensure compliance, all submitted CRMs must be clearly labelled with the following information:

1. CAS Number

2. Expiry Date

3. Lot Number

4. Material Name (Active Ingredient)

5. % Purity

6. Storage Conditions

Certificate of Analysis Requirement

In addition, each CRM must be accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) outlining its requirements, uncertainty, intended application, and the matching analytical procedure. This new requirement applies to initial registrations and future applications for label extensions and parallel registrations.

By adhering to this standard, the authority hopes to maintain the highest degree of quality assurance and compliance with industry standards.

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The Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) of Kenya has announced an immediate ban on the use of thiamethoxam and abamectin-based pesticides in open fields. This decision, made during the 178th meeting of the PCPB on November 28, 2024, aims to mitigate risks to pollinators and promote environmental sustainability.

Key Points of the Ban:

• High Risk to Pollinators: These compounds pose a serious acute risk to adult bees both inside and outside of crop fields, according to recent risk evaluations.

• Practical Limitations: It may not be possible to enforce greenhouse-only use in many agricultural situations, especially in Kenya.

• Regulatory Compliance: The restriction is consistent with Regulation 31(d) and 33(b) of the Pest Control Products Regulation, 2024.

Actions Required for Local Agents and Registrants:

• Immediately modify product labelling to prevent open field use.

• Submit modified labels to PCPB for approval.

• Eliminate current stocks of these products for open field use within 6 months.

•  The PCPB will not register any new Thiamethoxam and Abamectin-based products for open field use.

The PCPB urges all stakeholders to comply with this directive promptly to protect pollinators and ensure the long-term health of agricultural ecosystems.

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