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Malawi - Final Regulatory Action
Dichlorvos CAS number:
62-73-7
Date circular:
12/12/2022

Chemical name: Phosphoric acid, 2,2-dichloroethenyl dimethyl ester, Phosphoric acid, 2,2-dichloroethenyl dimethyl ester

Final regulatory action has been taken for the category: Pesticide

Final regulatory action: The chemical is Severely Restricted

Use or uses prohibited by the final regulatory action:

All formulations and applications, except as indicated 2.2.1

Pesticide use or uses that remain allowed:

Dichlorvos in strip form for control of insect pests in the field and in storage.

The final regulatory action was based on a risk or hazard evaluation: No

Summary of the final regulatory action:

It is prohibited to place on the market or use plant protection products containing dichlorvos other than those in strip form and intended for the control of moths in storage and mass trapping of fruit flies.
From 22nd March 2019 no authorization for plant protection products containing dichlorvos can be granted or renewed except for the form that is accepted.

The reasons for the final regulatory action were relevant to: Human health and environment

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health:

Available information is insufficient to perform a risk assessment regarding the operator, worker and bystanders' exposure. Moreover, there is lack of data an the toxicity of breakdown products. Hence, it has not been demonstrated that the risks for operators, workers and bystanders arising from the use of plant protection products containing dichlorvos are acceptable which is why Malawi took a decision to severely restrict its use.
Based on character and mode of action of Dichlorovos, and the prescribed precautions on use, the smallholder farmers who constitute over 90% of users cannot afford the PPE prescribed in using the pesticide. Most of the fields are also within the living quarters and its application would directly affect bystanders through inhalation.

Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to human health:

Reduction of risks associated with the use of products containing dichlorvos.

Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment:

Dichlorvos poses high risks to bees and birds, according to EPA 2013 decision in application for reassessment of a group of hazardous substances.

Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to the environment:

Potential reduction of the long-term negative impacts on the environment.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 22/03/2019