Understanding international harmonization of pesticide maximum residue limits with Codex standards

Explores the harmonization of national pesticide Maximum Residues Limits (MRLs) with Codex pesticide MRLs by taking rice as a case study. The report offers insights to decision-makers involved in standard-setting and food policy design at national and international level.

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This publication explores the harmonization of national pesticide Maximum Residues Limits (MRLs) with Codex pesticide MRLs by taking rice as a case study. It offers insights to decision-makers involved in standard-setting and food policy design at national and international level. Rice is a staple food for billions of people globally and plays a significant role in food security, particularly in many developing regions. Developing countries account for more than 96 percent of global rice production and a similar share of world rice consumption. At the same time, eight out of the ten major rice exporters are developing countries, accounting for almost three-quarters of global rice exports. The study shows that any further international alignment of pesticide MRLs for rice to facilitate trade will have to strike a balance between the demand for strict food safety regulations on the importer side and the additional costs incurred on the exporter side. Different steps could be taken by countries towards improving harmonization with Codex standards, including the use of Codex MRLs in the absence of national MRLs, and a better and more active participation of developing countries in the Codex standard-setting process