For several decades, paraquat remained one of the most widely known and used herbicides in agriculture. However, this is steadily changing as the common herbicide is now facing full bans in several countries worldwide.
Paraquat may be effective in killing weeds, but it is also known for its high toxicity to humans.
Even small amounts can be fatal if ingested, and long-term exposure has been linked to degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease. For these reasons, over 50 countries have opted to ban its use completely.
After determining that its health and environmental risks far outweigh its agricultural benefits, many governments globally have placed a full ban on paraquat.
Here is a list of the countries and regions that have implemented full bans on paraquat in the interest of public health and the safety of their citizens.
1. The United Kingdom
Paraquat has been banned in the UK since 2007. It continues to ban the herbicide following Brexit, maintaining the same strict standards under EU law.
However, the UK continues to manufacture paraquat and export it to other countries where use is still permitted.
2. The European Union
A ruling from the European Court of Justice put in effect a ban on paraquat across the European Union for its unacceptable risks to human health.
3. Switzerland
Ironically, a Swiss-based company developed paraquat for commercial use. However, the country banned it domestically in 1989 due to safety concerns.
Syngenta, a Basel-based global agritech company, is among the top sellers of the herbicide in the United States and other countries globally under the label Gramoxone.
4. Brazil
Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) enforced a national ban on paraquat in 2020, citing evidence of severe risks to agricultural workers.
Until the ban, Brazil was the largest consumer of paraquat in the world.
5. Chile
Chile placed a complete ban on paraquat in 2022 after two decades of existing heavy restrictions on the pesticide.
6. China
China banned the domestic agricultural use of paraquat in 2017. That said, the country purchased the Swiss-based Syngenta, making it a top global producer of paraquat for export.
7. Thailand
After years of rigorous scientific reviews and increased public pressure, Thailand officially banned the use of paraquat in 2020.
8. Vietnam
In 2017, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development removed paraquat from the list of plant protection chemicals as part of the national effort to eliminate highly toxic chemicals.
9. Other Arabian and Asian Countries
Other Arabian and Asian countries that have banned paraquat include Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Malaysia, South Korea, Laos, and Cambodia, citing its role in poisoning incidents and public health risks.
10. West and Central African Countries
Citing similar severe risks to human health and the environment, several African countries have also implemented full bans.
They are:
- Chad
- Cape Verde
- Burkina Faso
- Nigeria
- Niger
- Ivory Coast
- Mauritania
- Gambia
- Mali
- Guinea-Bissau
- Senegal
- Zambia
Future Global Trends in Paraquat Regulation
After 63 years of existence, paraquat has become one of the most heavily researched and regulated herbicides today.
As predicted, the list of countries banning the herbicide will continue to grow. The global trend is moving toward stricter regulation and the steady removal of this highly toxic herbicide from the weed control toolbox.
Public health and environmental experts continue to push for more bans in other countries, arguing that the risks far outweigh the benefits.
As scientific evidence mounts and safer weed control alternatives become accessible, it is expected that pressure for a global paraquat ban will intensify in the coming years.
Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.