Pesticide Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) legislation around the world
Find links to MRL legislation in many countries, including New Zealand, and to MRLs established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC).
Finding MRL requirements for destination countries
The links in this table — most are to external websites— are updated regularly. However, MPI does not guarantee the accuracy of the information. You should also check relevant national legislation before exporting your plant products.
Links to country MRLs and/or legislation
| Country | Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Australia |
MRLs are listed in Chapter 1, Standard 1.4.2. |
|
Brazil |
The Brazilian food safety agency (ANVISA) publishes “Monografias de Agrotoxicos” (PDF) that include MRLs. The site is in Portuguese. |
|
Canada |
Health Canada (PMRA) published a consolidated list of MRLs (Excel or PDF) and of MRLs that have been recently established (EMRLs) or proposed (PMRLs). |
|
Codex |
A database of MRLs adopted by Codex. Can be searched by pesticide or commodity |
|
European Union |
A database of EU MRLs (Reg 396/2005 – as updated) and pesticide authorisation status (Dir 91/414/EEC). Can be searched by pesticide or crop. Includes links to EC MRL legislation. |
|
Hong Kong |
Hong Kong currently recognises Codex MRLs. A new regulatory framework for MRLs is under development. |
|
India |
MRLs are listed in The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act and Rules, soon to be transferred to the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2010. |
|
Israel |
“Search” links to the Pesticide Residues database searchable by pesticide or crop. |
|
Japan |
A database of MRLs, searchable by pesticide and crop. Also provides links to legislation on the Positive List system. |
|
Korea |
A pesticide residues database of Korean and relevant Codex MRLs, searchable by pesticide and crop. |
|
Malaysia |
MOH FSIM website |
MRLs are listed in Schedule 16 of the Food Regulations 1985 (Part VIII). |
New Zealand |
NZ MRL Food Standards, consolidated annually with supplements published at 3-4 month intervals |
|
Russian Federation |
Unofficial consolidation of Russian (Customs Union) MRLs (Excel) [sourced from Freshfel Europe]. |
|
Singapore |
See Sale of Food Act and the 9th Schedule in the associated Food Regulations. |
|
South Africa |
Link to Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act and associated Regulations (See Section 12). |
|
Switzerland |
MRLs (consolidated) listed in Annex I of Ordinance 817.021.23. |
|
Taiwan |
See Food Sanitation Standards (Standards for Pesticide Residue Limits in Foods). |
|
Thailand |
MRLs listed under ‘TAS 9002’ and ‘TAS 9003’ General Standards. |
|
USA |
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (e-CFR) Part 40, Section 180 |
Other links
Link |
Notes |
Provides links to MRLs in Australia and some other countries for Australian-registered pesticides on selected foods, complied by the National Residue Survey. |
|
Provides a database of MRLs for wine grapes and wine, searchable by pesticide and country. |
|
USDA (FAS) International MRL Database |
The USDA (Foreign Agricultural Service) database of US and national MRLs for a wide range of crops, searchable by commodity, pesticide and country. |
