Pear exporters to Thailand need to be aware that from mid-June imported fresh produce with any detectable traces of chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos methyl or paraquat will not be accepted.

The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued new pesticide residue guidelines for imported pears. There has been alterations to Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for insecticides chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos methyl and the herbicide paraquat.

Thailand has indicated that the residues of chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos methyl and paraquat in food must be lower than the limit of detection or not be detected (ie. zero tolerance).

Exporters must comply with the new MRLs from June 15, 2020.

The use of chlorpyrifos and paraquat in Australia are currently being reviewed by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.

You can find more information on exporting to Thailand on APAL’s market intelligence and export capability page.