To standardize the generation and use of QR codes on pesticide labels, the Plant Management Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has released a draft notice outlining technical requirements and is now soliciting public feedback. The move aims to strengthen pesticide traceability and regulatory oversight in line with the Pesticide Management Regulations and the Measures for the Management of Pesticide Labels and Instructions.
According to the draft, QR codes on pesticide labels must adopt QR Code or Data Matrix (DM) code formats. The content encoded shall include a traceability URL and a unique product identification code. When scanned, the QR code must display key information such as the pesticide name and the registrant holder. For formulated products that do not include details of the active ingredient source on the label, the QR code should also reveal the registration number and manufacturer of the technical material or concentrate used.
The unique identification code must consist of at least 32 digits, structured as follows:
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Digit 1 indicates pesticide registration type: “1” for PD, “2” for WP.
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Digits 2–7 correspond to the last six digits of the pesticide registration certificate number.
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Digit 8 indicates production type: “1” for production by the registrant, “2” for contract manufacturing, “3” for repackaging.
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Digits 9–11 are product specification codes, assigned by the manufacturer.
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Digits 12–32 are randomized codes.
Each QR code must be unique to a single sales package. In cases of inner and outer packaging, the codes should be interlinked, with the outer packaging code providing access to information about the inner package’s identification code.
Pesticide registrants will be responsible for implementing the traceability system. They may develop their own traceability platforms or commission third-party systems to generate, label, and manage QR codes, ensuring that the traceability link provides access to production dates, batch numbers, quality inspection results, and other relevant data. The production date displayed must comply with the Measures for the Management of Pesticide Labels and Instructions, and the traceability webpage must be compatible with both desktop and mobile devices.
Stakeholders and the public are invited to submit comments and suggestions in writing or via email by October 11, 2025.
Contact Information:
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Email: pmd@agri.gov.cn
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Fax: 010-59191875
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Postal Address: Plant Management Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 11 Nongzhanguan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100125
