Antigua and Barbuda’s Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) has issued an official public reminder outlining strict regulatory frameworks governing all stages of handling hazardous chemical and pesticide products, reinforcing its legal mandate under national legislation to protect public safety and environmental health.
Powers and responsibilities for the PTCCB are clearly established under the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Act, Act No. 12 of 2008. This legislation grants the board broad authority to oversee every step of the lifecycle of pesticides and toxic chemicals, spanning importation, storage, manufacturing, distribution through sales channels, transport, end-user application, and final disposal. Beyond these core oversight functions, the board is also tasked with key administrative duties including the review, approval, issuance, and revocation of product registrations, operational licenses, and import/export permits.
In its public announcement, the PTCCB emphasized that every commercial and personal activity related to importing, selling, or using pesticide and toxic chemical products falls under the board’s regulatory purview. No activity can be conducted without prior formal review and official approval from the agency. Violations of these regulatory requirements are classified as criminal offenses under the 2008 Act. Any individual or entity found non-compliant is subject to summary conviction, with penalties including a maximum fine of $25,000, up to 12 months of imprisonment, or both sanctions imposed concurrently.
A key additional reminder targeted at commercial importers clarifies that all pesticide and toxic chemical products being brought into Antigua and Barbuda must complete the full registration and approval process before any shipment departs for the country. To avoid serious negative outcomes including customs detention of shipments, full confiscation of consignments, and formal criminal prosecution, the PTCCB urges all importers to proactively engage with board staff well in advance of shipping. This early engagement allows importers to confirm that their intended products are officially registered with the PTCCB and that all required import licenses have been secured before entering the country with the products.
To support regulatory compliance and crack down on unregulated activity, the PTCCB is calling on all members of the public to assist with enforcement efforts. Any suspected cases of illegal sale or use of unregistered pesticide or toxic chemical products can be reported directly to the office of the Registrar of Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals.