Thailand government reconsiders ban of chemical use

The Thailand National Hazardous Substance Committee (NHSC) has overturned their earlier decision to ban three agricultural chemicals. The Oct. 22 decision to classify glyphosate, paraquat and chlorpyrifos as Category 4 substances was to start Dec. 1. This classification would have banned the chemicals from production, possession, importation and exportation and would require a zero maximum residue level (MRL) applied to possible exposure.

The Nov. 27 decision keeps glyphosate as a Category 3 substance (restricted use and sales), while a classification of paraquat and chlorpyrifos as Category 4 substances will become effective June 1, 2020.

Recently, Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA) member Rob Prather of Global Processing, traveled to Southeast Asia to meet with buyers and learn more about the Thai ban. Read that story here.

SSGA looks forward to discussing this issue at the annual meeting Tuesday.