Pakistan Unveils Digital Overhaul for Pesticide Regulation, Boosting Agri-Trade Safety

Pakistan's National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA) has officially launched a modern, transparent, and digitally-enabled framework for regulating pesticides and agro-chemicals, marking a pivotal shift from decades-old legislation. This new system, rooted in the NAFSA Act, 2026, replaces the outdated Agricultural Pesticides Ordinance, 1971, and its 1973 rules, aiming to streamline critical processes from registration to export and enhance food safety standards across the nation. This overhaul is a strategic move to align Pakistan's agricultural sector with global best practices and international standards, crucial for boosting market access for its agri-exports. The previous paper-based system was criticized for its inefficiencies and lack of modern risk assessment tools, leading to challenges like the prevalence of highly hazardous pesticides and non-compliance with international maximum residue limits. NAFSA, established in 2025, is consolidating regulatory functions previously handled by various entities, including the Department of Plant Protection, to ensure a unified and science-driven approach to food safety and trade. The digital framework promises real-time traceability and predictable service timelines for registrations and licensing, moving towards an 'enabler' role for the authority rather than just a 'gatekeeper'. With stakeholder engagement already underway and NAFSA set to fully replace the Department of Plant Protection by October 31, 2026, the focus now turns to seamless implementation and its tangible impact on farmers, consumers, and Pakistan's standing in global agricultural markets.