Libya Tightens Controls on Imported Pesticides Following Carcinogenic Findings

The Libyan government has intensified oversight of agricultural pesticide imports after authorities recently confiscated banned pesticides containing carcinogenic substances.

The Ministry of Economy and Trade of the Government of National Unity issued Decision No. (343) for the year 2026, aimed at regulating the importation of agricultural pesticides. This move seeks to enhance the monitoring system for agricultural products circulating in markets and to prevent the entry of non-compliant materials.

This decision is based on technical follow-up results and regulatory reports, reflecting government efforts to ensure the safety of agricultural products and to restrict the circulation of prohibited pesticides or those that do not meet international standards.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Economy and Trade, the decision limits pesticide imports to products originating from Europe, the United States, and Canada. Suppliers are required to submit certified technical documents proving that the products comply with international specifications.

The decision also mandates that all shipments undergo testing and analysis in internationally accredited laboratories in accordance with the ISO/IEC 17025 international standard. Furthermore, it bans the import or trade of pesticides that are internationally prohibited or pose risks to human health and the environment.

Additionally, the decision stipulates that documentary credits for pesticide imports will only be opened after all technical and legal conditions are fulfilled. This measure aims to strengthen pre-import controls and reduce health and environmental risks.

The Ministry of Economy emphasized that this decision represents a step toward reorganizing the pesticide market and raising safety and quality standards to protect consumer health and support the national agricultural sector.

Simultaneously, the ministry confirmed that investigations by the Public Prosecution remain ongoing regarding the pesticides circulating in the Libyan market. These investigations seek to uncover the circumstances surrounding the entry of banned or non-compliant substances and to identify those responsible for facilitating, contributing to, or neglecting to prevent their market access.

The ministry stressed continued coordination with the Public Prosecution, regulatory bodies, and security agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the decision’s provisions. It also highlighted the importance of taking measures to safeguard public health, food security, and environmental safety, while bolstering confidence in the Libyan market.

These regulatory measures follow an announcement by the Libyan Public Prosecutor’s Office regarding the seizure of banned agricultural pesticides classified as carcinogenic and linked to chronic diseases.

The office stated that the Public Prosecution is still collecting evidence related to the use of prohibited pesticides in agricultural activities. Investigators conducted raids targeting warehouses and distribution channels suspected of handling these substances, resulting in the seizure of quantities of banned pesticides.

Analysis results revealed that 65% of tested samples contained residues of seven pesticides banned under national legislation, in addition to substances internationally classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic. Technical expertise further indicated that residue levels of some pesticides exceeded the permissible limits established by international standards and recommendations, raising widespread concerns about the safety of agricultural products available in Libyan markets.