Proposed Prohibition of Terbufos Agricultural Remedies

Posted 15 January 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Department of Agriculture has published a notice proposing a comprehensive ban on the sale, acquisition, use, and disposal of agricultural remedies containing terbufos.

In terms of the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, No. 36 of 1947, the Department of Agriculture has called for public input on the proposed prohibition of all agricultural remedies containing the active ingredient terbufos. The notice, which replaces a previous version issued on 1 December 2025, sets a deadline for submissions on 27 February 2026, with the intention that the ban will become effective on 28 February 2026.

The proposed regulatory intervention follows a March 2025 report by the Department of Health’s ministerial advisory committee on food-borne illnesses. While terbufos is currently registered for specific agricultural applications, the committee recommended a total ban due to its prevalence in illegal informal markets and spaza shops. The investigation was accelerated following the October 2024 deaths of six children in Naledi, Soweto, which forensic chemistry laboratory records attributed to acute organophosphate poisoning resulting from terbufos exposure.

The Department of Agriculture’s consultation process aligns with a 2010 strategic plan to eradicate highly poisonous insecticides and pesticides over a specified period. Cabinet confirmed on 11 June 2025 that the department would proceed with identifying safer alternatives to terbufos to mitigate the impact on the agricultural sector. Stakeholders have until 27 February 2026 to submit comments regarding the impact of the proposed prohibition.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: No direct individual compliance obligations; however, legal and compliance professionals should note the shift toward stricter enforcement of pesticide control and the potential for increased liability under Act 36 of 1947.
  • For your business: Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of agricultural remedies must audit existing stock levels and review supply contracts to prepare for a total prohibition of terbufos-based products by 28 February 2026.
  • For your clients: Agricultural producers and pest control operators must identify and transition to approved alternative remedies before the February 2026 deadline to avoid the illegal use or possession of prohibited substances.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/agricultural-pesticides-terbufos-ban-imminent

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