Intending to ensure effectiveness, transparency, and traceability in the use of agricultural pesticides, the Agency for Phytosanitary and Zoosanitary Regulation and Control (AGROCALIDAD) issued Resolution 026, which approves the new Technical Manual for the Inspection of Efficacy Trials of Agricultural Pesticides. This resolution replaces Resolution 0201 from 2018, responding to the sector’s current needs and addressing deficiencies identified in the previous process.

One of the main innovations is the requirement that inspections be carried out exclusively by inspection bodies accredited by the Ecuadorian Accreditation Service (SAE). These entities must be legally established and comply with all the technical requirements set forth by AGROCALIDAD.

The new manual establishes clearer, stricter, and more enforceable protocols. It precisely defines the responsibilities of each party involved, including the inspection bodies and AGROCALIDAD itself. It also introduces criteria for suspending or canceling authorizations in cases of non-compliance, to prevent technical errors, inconsistent reports, or inadequate recommendations that could jeopardize the approval of products.

Implementing this technical manual directly impacts the safety of agricultural products available in the market by ensuring that the pesticides used have been evaluated under rigorous standards. The procedures are now more transparent and reliable, strengthening the phytosanitary regulatory system in the country.

The complete manual is already available on AGROCALIDAD’s official website, and it becomes a key tool for improving the control of agricultural inputs, ensuring plant health, and contributing to a safer and more sustainable agriculture in Ecuador.

Gabriela Espín

regulatory@abreuip.com