CAMA Raises Alarm On Proliferation Of Uncertified Chemicals

The Consumers Association of Malawi has sounded the alarm on the illegal sale of unregistered and unlicensed pesticides by uncertified traders flooding the local market.

The alarm follows reports of the proliferation of uncertified chemicals into the country and total failure by Pesticide Control Board (PCB) to enforce regulations that holds violators accountable.

In a statement, CAMA’s Executive Director John Kapito stated that the recent market inspection reveals a widespread illegal pesticide business that is growing rapidly across the country.

“The law on pesticide control is very clear as to who is supposed to sell, store, distribute and import them. Section 23-(1) stipulates that no person shall manufacture, export, distribute, store for sale, or sell a pesticide without a license issued by the Pesticide Control Board and by any conditions prescribed by the board,” reads part of Kapito’s statement.

Meanwhile, CAMA has reminded the Speaker of Parliament, copied to the chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee of Agriculture alerting the august House of the proliferation of pesticides being sold by unlicensed traders and from unregistered premises.

CAMA is therefore calling on the PCB and Parliament to take immediate action to address the issue