The Illegal Trade in Chemicals

Stakeholders

The key stakeholders – and victims – in the illegal pesticides trade are the farmers who intentionally or unintentionally purchase illicit plant protection products. Farmers benefit from the low costs, but risk their own health and the quality and safety of their products by using substandard products. The banks and other money transfer systems involved in transactions for illicit activities are also important stakeholders.

According to EU Directive 2009/128/EC (establishing a framework for community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides), all professional and non-professional users of pesticides can be considered stakeholders in the illegal marketing of plant protection products. Table 2 provides an overview of stakeholders organized by the stage in the life cycle and the type of illegal product.

Stakeholders in the illegal pesticides trade

stage of life cycle

type of illicit product Counterfeit pesticides Substandard pesticides

key stakeholders

Corrupt state officials responsible for: - registration - patent check - relevant tests

Registration

Irresponsible registered pesticides manufacturers Unregistered chemicals blenders (informal sector) Importers of improper active ingredients Irresponsible waste management companies (empty containers) Distributors, intentionally purchasing illicit products Irresponsible packaging manufacturers and printing houses Corrupt or inexperienced tax authorities Corrupt and/or inexperienced law enforcement Banks or other money transfer systems (informal sector) Transnational organized criminal groups Corrupt or uninformed or inexperienced customs officers Importers Logistics companies Banks or other money transfer systems Illegal producers or importers Distributors Banks or other money transfer systems Corrupt or inexperienced agronomists and extension services Farmers Farmers Illegal distributors Corrupt or inexperienced agronomists and extension services Corrupt or inexperienced soil care inspectorate officers Irresponsible waste management companies (empty containers)

Counterfeit pesticides Substandard pesticides

Production (domestic)

Counterfeit pesticides Substandard pesticides Banned pesticides Restricted pesticides Counterfeit pesticides Substandard pesticides Banned pesticides Restricted pesticides Counterfeit pesticides Substandard pesticides Banned pesticides Restricted pesticides

Import

Distribution

Application

Table 2: Stakeholders in the illegal pesticides trade

The Illegal Trade in Chemicals

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