Union Ministry Proposes Complete Ban on Carbosulfan Insecticide Citing Health and Environmental Risks

The Union government has initiated steps to impose a complete ban on the insecticide Carbosulfan, which is widely utilized across paddy, cotton, and horticulture crops in India. According to an official gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, a draft order has been proposed to prohibit the import, manufacture, sale, transport, distribution, and use of Carbosulfan.

The draft order directs the recall of all certificates of registration granted for the insecticide. Certificate holders are required to return their documents to the Registration Committee within a period of three months. Failure to do so will attract action under the provisions of the Insecticides Act, 1968. Additionally, the Centre has urged all State governments to implement the order utilizing existing regulatory provisions and rules.

The regulatory action follows a review initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, which formed an Expert Committee on January 14, 2026, to examine the continued use of Carbosulfan in India. The committee submitted its findings to the government on June 12, 2026.

Following the submission, the government consulted the Registration Committee established under the Insecticides Act, 1968. After evaluating available data, studies, and safety concerns, the committee recommended a total ban. The recommendation highlighted that Carbosulfan is an intrinsically highly hazardous carbamate insecticide that metabolizes rapidly into carbofuran, a substance known to cause severe cholinesterase inhibition and acute systemic toxicity.

The committee also noted the significant toxicity risks posed by Carbosulfan to non-target species, including birds, pollinators, and aquatic organisms. Furthermore, the decision takes into account international regulatory restrictions and prohibitions implemented in several other countries.

Emphasizing that there is no specific antidote to reverse Carbosulfan poisoning, the review concluded that ongoing utilization of the chemical presents notable dangers to public health and the environment. Based on these findings, authorities have moved to halt all commercial and agricultural deployment of the insecticide.

"Regulatory shifts in the agricultural inputs sector carry significant financial and operational implications for manufacturers, distributors, and supply chain stakeholders. When hazardous chemicals face total bans based on environmental and health safety reviews, businesses operating in this space must proactively adapt their product portfolios and compliance strategies. Transitioning toward safer alternatives and sustainable agricultural practices is essential for mitigating long-term regulatory and market risks." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes