Pesticides Act, 2018 (No. 24 of 2018 Law).

This Act covers the regulation of pesticides' import, production, sale, and usage. The Act highlights the necessity of registering pesticide brands, outlining the application process and criteria. The Act specifies the duration of registration and the process for renewal. Cancellation of registration is also covered, along with the rights to appeal. The requirement for a license to import, produce, or control pests with registered brands is explained, along with license duration, renewal, and transfer rules. The Act provides for the suspension or cancellation of licenses for breaches.
The Act addresses the import policy for pesticides, emphasizing that import policies apply. The Ministry of Commerce can restrict or prohibit the import of adulterated, mislabeled, ineffective, or harmful pesticide brands. Labeling requirements mandate attaching clear Bengali-tagged labels to pesticide containers before selling, advertising, or storing. The government is granted the power to set maximum sale prices and commission rates through official Gazette notifications. Storage and usage of pesticides must adhere to rules. The creation and functions of the Pesticides Technical Advisory Committee are described. The continuation of the Pesticide Laboratory's functions is noted, along with analyst appointment and responsibilities. The procedure for testing samples, inspectors' powers to search and seize, and the process for purchasers to request testing are outlined.
Unauthorized use of a registration number, adulteration of pesticides, obstruction of inspector duties, and providing false information during registration are deemed punishable offenses with fines and imprisonment. The relevant section details the confiscation of seized items upon conviction. Courts can only act on written complaints from inspectors or government plant protection employees, and offenses are tried by specified magistrates. The jurisdiction of mobile courts under the Mobile Court Act, 2009, is also established. The government's authority to create rules is highlighted. Lastly, the Pesticides Ordinance, 1971, is repealed by the Act, but actions taken under the repealed ordinance remain valid unless inconsistent or amended.