The Pesticide Manufacturers & Formulators Association of India (PMFAI) has announced a major breakthrough following the 22nd meeting of the Rotterdam Convention's Chemical Review Committee (CRC-22). The high-stakes event took place in Rome from September 15 to 18, 2026, and concluded with a highly favorable outcome for the association.

Before the meeting, the PMFAI set up expert task forces to defend three essential pesticide molecules up for review: Profenofos, Phenthoate, and Quinalphos. The teams submitted detailed technical reports to both the relevant Indian Government Ministries and the Rotterdam Convention Secretariat.

Led by a PMFAI delegation including Dr. K.N. Singh (Gharda Chemicals Ltd) and Dr. Samir Dave (AIMCO Pesticides Ltd.), the Indian agrochemical industry successfully defended its molecules in Rome. This victory resulted from a coordinated, highly effective collaboration with the Government of India, specifically the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

Key Outcomes of CRC-22:

•  Profenofos: Consideration of the notification submitted by Malaysia was deferred, with the Bureau tasked to decide on its inclusion in a future meeting agenda.

•  Quinalphos: Upon detailed review of the notification for final regulatory action, the committee concluded that no notifications met the necessary criteria for listing at this stage.

• Phenthoate: Similarly, upon reviewing the final regulatory action notification, no notifications were found to meet the criteria.