Senate Committee Assesses Progress in Sanitary and Phytosanitary Compliance

Strategic Insights -

The Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research visited the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) to assess progress in sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) compliance, particularly in controlling maximum residue limit (MRL) breaches affecting key agricultural exports. The visit comes on the heels of recent reforms initiated under the directive of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which have reportedly led to a significant improvement in export standards and a marked reduction in international interceptions, especially of rice consignments. Senior DPP officials briefed the committee on various interventions aimed at aligning Pakistan's agri-export procedures with global food safety protocols.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of rice consignment interceptions by the European Union over MRL and aflatoxin concerns has dropped from 61 in 2023 to 30 so far in 2025, signaling the initial success of reforms. (Source: Department of Plant Protection)
  • The four major contributors to earlier MRL breaches are Acetamiprid, Chlorpyrifos, Imidacloprid, and Thiamethoxam. (Source: Department of Plant Protection)
  • The reforms were sparked by prime ministerial instructions issued in December 2024, calling for disciplinary action against negligent officers and fast-tracked establishment of pesticide residue testing labs. (Source: Prime Minister's Office)
  • Maize exports fell from 1.837 million tonnes in FY 2023-24 to just over 786,000 tonnes in 2024-25, partly due to domestic prices and phytosanitary rejections by Vietnam. (Source: Department of Plant Protection)
  • The DPP enforced a two-week suspension of maize exports and penalised fumigators deemed responsible after Vietnam issued a third warning and reported 72 interceptions. (Source: Department of Plant Protection)
  • Rico exports have seen a surge in interceptions, from 61 in 2023 to 106 in 2024, with 73 linked to excessive pesticide residue. However, this number has dropped to 30 in 2025. (Source: Department of Plant Protection)

Statistics:

  • 61 rice consignments intercepted by the European Union in 2023 over MRL and aflatoxin concerns. (Source: Department of Plant Protection)
  • 106 rice consignments intercepted by the European Union in 2024 over MRL and aflatoxin concerns. (Source: Department of Plant Protection)
  • 30 rice consignments intercepted by the European Union in 2025 so far over MRL and aflatoxin concerns. (Source: Department of Plant Protection)
  • 4 major contributors to earlier MRL breaches: Acetamiprid, Chlorpyrifos, Imidacloprid, and Thiamethoxam. (Source: Department of Plant Protection)
  • 1.837 million tonnes of maize exports in FY 2023-24. (Source: Department of Plant Protection)
  • 786,000 tonnes of maize exports in 2024-25. (Source: Department of Plant Protection)
  • 72 interceptions reported by Vietnam due to Khapra Beetle infestation. (Source: Department of Plant Protection)

Sources:

  • Department of Plant Protection
  • Prime Minister's Office
  • European Union
  • Vietnam