Labelling in Agriculural Chemistry

The legal requirements and applicable laws of the global legislators oblige chemical and agrochemical manufacturers to label their products. In agriculture, tested and legally approved pesticides are consciously used as an essential component. Without the use of pesticides, crop failures from pests could rise to over 80%. Pests, weeds and diseases are regulated by pesticides. Counterfeit and illegal pesticides pose real risks to the health of farmers, end users, the environment and the economy. Counterfeit trade is increasing worldwide. To counteract this, the European Crop Protection (ECPA) has issued CRISTAL guidelines, which chemical and agrochemical manufacturers can pursue on a voluntary basis. Serialized data matrix coding in accordance with international standards (e.g. GHS, GS1) on packaging and units should ensure the traceability of the product, reliably cover the batch and the sales unit across all logistics levels. Consistent route and tracing (Track and Trace ) leads to more transparency in the supply chain and can thus protect consumers and the environment from counterfeit products and illegal pesticides.

Manufacturers have to integrate track and trace functions in their supply chain in order to be able to guarantee complete traceability.