The pesticide registration process in Belize follows the basic guidelines set by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and abides by the principles of the FAO Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides.

Following these International guidelines, member countries of the International Regional Organization for Plant and Animal Health (OIRSA), including Belize, have harmonized the data and labelling requirements for registration of pesticides.

The registration process generally involves the submission of a technical dossier by the applicant, review and technical analysis of the data by the Registration Committee of the Pesticides Control Board, with recommendations for registration submitted to the Board for approval and consequent issue of a Registration Certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it necessary to register pesticides?
The pesticide registration process is the system through which governments ensure that the pesticides available for use in the country do not cause unreasonable adverse effects on human health and the environment. Only registered pesticides can be imported and used in the country.

Who may submit an application for registration?
The manufacturer's local representative or any person or company interested in the registration of a particular pesticide may submit the application, which includes an application form, technical data and relevant fees.

Where is the technical data generated?
The technical and scientific data is generated by the manufacturer.

For how long is a registration valid?
A pesticide registration is valid for five (5) years, after which the interested party may apply for re-registration.

How much does it cost to register a pesticide?
It costs $1000.00 (BZ) to register an agricultural pesticide ($300 is paid at the time of application and the remaining balance at the time of registration). It costs $200.00 (BZ) to register a domestic pesticide.

Are there any local experiments required as part of the registration process?
For pesticides containing active ingredients new to Belize, a local efficacy trial is required as part of the registration process, for which the applicant applies for an experimental permit. *Pesticide manufacturers often opt to conduct an efficacy trial to test the pesticide formulation under local conditions, even when not required.

How long does the registration process take?
Depending on the time span between the date of data submission and Board approval at one of its quarterly meetings, the process can take between six to twelve weeks. The length of the process also largely depends on the completeness of the technical dossier presented, as well as the level of technical review needed for each registration application.