Parliament of Maldives has approved the Pesticides Bill that fines parties importing pesticides without licenses. The bill was approved with 72 lawmakers voting in favour.
The purpose of the Pesticide Bill is to set standards for the import, export, sales and the production of pesticides in Maldives. The bill also aims to set standards in the use of pesticides in farming and in the disposal of pesticides.
The bill also includes measures to be taken against the use of pesticides that endangers public health and environment. Additionally, the bill includes recommendations to develop relevant policies and legal requirements on pesticides.
Once the bill is approved, Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture must formulate a Pesticide Unit to oversee all pesticide related matters. Precautionary matters and laboratories to test pesticides will also be established once it is ratified. The bill also includes fines between USD 324.52 and USD 6,490.39 against those who breach the act.
Besides the Pesticides Bill, parliament has also approved the amendment to Companies Act requiring Registrar of Companies to establish a register of all businesses operating in Maldives.