2024 Regulations: Mexico, Costa Rica, and Harmonization

By Renee Targos
Editor

Regulations for crop protection and biologicals used in agriculture are moving toward sustainability driven by consumers, governments and NGOs. AgriBusiness Global talked with Dr. Piyatida Pukclai, Regional Sales & Regulatory Policy Manager (Asia-Pacific) for Knoell and Alexandre Quesada, Founder and CEO, SmartTox to find out what developments are happening for 2024.

MEXICO

Last year, the country had two bills in Congress with the possible introduction of hazard-based approaches and to substantiate removal of highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs). “Regarding the bills in Congress that may introduce hazard-based approaches and substantiate the removal of HHPs in Mexico in 2023, I’m aware of the phase-out of glyphosate,” says Piyatida. “The federal government initially planned to ban glyphosate by January 31, 2024, but due to the lack of substitutes, this has been postponed until March 31, 2024. As of April 1, 2024, authorizations and permits for glyphosate will cease.”

Mexico’s motivation to ban HHPs is based on reports linking them to negative health outcomes and sustainability as well from public and political pressure to protect the environment.

Alexandre Quesada, Founder and CEO, SmartTox

“The two bills in question aimed to introduce hazard-based approaches to pesticide regulation,” says Quesada.

“This means that the intrinsic properties of a chemical, rather than just the risk or exposure level, would play a crucial role in determining whether it could be approved for use,” continues Quesada. “Such an approach tends to be more precautionary, potentially leading to the banning or phasing out of substances deemed hazardous regardless of the context of their use.”

In addition, regulation agencies were also pondering introducing risk assessment.

“There has been a global trend toward incorporating more rigorous risk assessment procedures into the regulation of chemicals, including pesticides,” says Quesada. “This approach aims to evaluate both the potential hazards of a substance and the likelihood of exposure to determine the actual risk it poses to human health and the environment. In the context of Mexico’s legislative efforts concerning pesticides, particularly HHPs, integrating risk assessment methodologies could complement hazard-based approaches, offering a more nuanced framework for decision-making.”

COSTA RICA

In December 2022, Costa Rica issued an omnibus regulation substituting all existing regulations. It entered into effect on January 2023 and may impact renewal proceedings by introducing heightened ERA requirements. A concern that one-third of all existing registrations would not pass re-registration.

Dr. Piyatida Pukclai, Regional Sales & Regulatory Policy Manager (Asia-Pacific) for Knoell

“A new regulation on environmental risk assessment and approval of agrochemicals entered into force in January 2023, replacing existing regulations,” says Piyatida.

“This may impact renewal proceedings due to heightened ERA requirements.” Piyatida continues. “Additionally, reports suggest a slowdown in new pesticide registrations under this framework, potentially affecting market availability.”

Companies affected by this regulation are working together to extend the deadlines for products.

“Costa Rican companies are trying to stop the application of this regulation, because they need more time to comply with what the regulation requires,” says Quesada. “It is likely that next month there will already be a response from company management against the regulation.”

HARMONIZATION

In efforts to create more efficiency in products getting registered and to market, Mexico and Central American countries have been working toward harmonization, but progress is slow.

“There is a clear movement toward harmonization of pesticide regulations in Central America and Mexico,” says Quesada. “It is a complex process influenced by regional integration efforts, international agreements, and the need for technical and institutional capacity building.

“Despite these efforts, harmonization faces challenges,” Quesada continues. “Including differences in regulatory frameworks, levels of technical and institutional capacity, and the need to balance trade facilitation with the protection of human health and the environment. Progress has been made, but the pace and extent of harmonization can vary significantly across countries and sectors.”  •

Alexandre Quesada – SmartTox
Dr. Piyatida Pukclai – Knoell