NAFSA Holds Introductory Session on National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority
ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Sep, 2026) The newly established National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA) held an introductory session with stakeholders from the pesticides and agro-chemicals sector of Pakistan.
The consultation brought together representatives from:
- The Ministry of National Food Security & Research
- The Board of Governors of NAFSA
- The Pakistan Crop Protection Association (PCPA)
- Croplife
- Pesticide manufacturers and importers
- Laboratory and academia representatives
- Development partners
As per a press release, the new legal framework under the NAFSA Act, 2026, will replace the existing regulations of the Agricultural Pesticides Ordinance, 1971, and the Agricultural Pesticides Rules, 1973. This new framework offers:
- A modern, transparent, and digitally enabled system for pesticide registration, import/export, manufacturing, and formulation.
- Dealer licensing, packaging and labeling, storage and safety, laboratory testing, inspections, and complaint resolution.
Key features highlighted during the session included:
- NAFSA’s governance structure and operating model
- Science-based risk assessment and standards setting
- International benchmarking for modern regulatory practices
- Utilization of technology for enhanced compliance, trade facilitation, and traceability
- Market access for Pakistani agri-exports
- Structured timelines for registration and renewal decisions
- Complaint resolution and appeals mechanism
- A transition plan to fully replace the Department of Plant Protection by October 31, 2026.
The session outlined NAFSA’s strategic direction for the sector, focusing on:
- Shifting from a gatekeeper role to an enabler through digital registration processes.
- Transitioning from input control to food safety, aligning with maximum residue limits (MRLs) and traceability.
- Promoting Pakistan as an export-oriented hub for agro-chemicals and pesticides.
Chairman of the Board of Governors, NAFSA, Ahmed Umair, emphasized that NAFSA’s establishment strengthens Pakistan’s food safety and agricultural trade systems. He noted that the new, science-based regulatory framework will protect farmers and consumers while facilitating market access and expanding agricultural exports.