NCS/ARS/CL/10231

You have applied for the tariff classification of the following insecticide formulations:

1. DICHLORVOS 1000 EC (Branded as CRUSH)
2. QUINALPHOS 20% + CYPERMETHRIN 3% EC (Branded as VINSURE)
3. PROFENOFOS 40% + CYPERMETHRIN 4% EC (Branded as ENDOSEL)

These products are formulated and packaged as follows: CRUSH (Dichlorvos 1000 EC) is packed in 1000 ml Coex bottles, while VINSURE (Quinalphos 20% + Cypermethrin 3% EC) and ENDOSEL (Profenofos 40% + Cypermethrin 4% EC) are packaged in 1 litre and 250 ml Coex bottles, respectively, and imported in cartons.

PRODUCT ANALYSIS

1. DICHLORVOS 1000 EC (CRUSH)

Dichlorvos 1000 EC, also known as DDVP, is a broad-spectrum contact and fumigant insecticide used to control a wide range of pests such as flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, ants, moths, and beetles.

It is an organophosphate insecticide, meaning it is a synthetic neurotoxic pesticide containing phosphorus that acts by inhibiting the enzyme cholinesterase in the insect’s nervous system, leading to paralysis and death. The same mechanism makes it toxic to humans and animals, as it affects their nervous systems as well.

According to supporting documents, the formulation contains 77.5% Dichlorvos (active ingredient) and 22.5% solvent oil (carrier to aid solubility and spray application). Due to its high toxicity to humans, animals, and aquatic life, the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies Dichlorvos as a Class Ia – Highly Hazardous Pesticide.

2. QUINALPHOS 20% + CYPERMETHRIN 3% EC (VINSURE)

According to your documentation, this product is a combined insecticide formulation containing two active ingredients - Quinalphos (20% w/w) and Cypermethrin (3% w/w). Quinalphos is an organophosphate insecticide that inhibits cholinesterase, disrupting nerve impulses in insects and causing paralysis and death. While Cypermethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, a man-made compound that mimics natural pyrethrins found in chrysanthemum flowers. It attacks the insect’s nervous system by affecting sodium channels, causing a rapid “knockdown” effect.

The combination provides broad-spectrum and enhanced pest control, with systemic and contact action for both immediate and prolonged effectiveness. It is used to control a variety of insect pests on cotton, paddy (rice), maize, pulses, vegetables, and fruits, targeting bollworms, stem borers, leaf folders, aphids, whiteflies, jassids, fruit borers, and cutworms.

The product is a clear brownish emulsifiable concentrate (EC), intended to be diluted with water before spraying. It is toxic to humans and animals (particularly Quinalphos, classified by WHO as a Class II – Moderately Hazardous Pesticide) and highly toxic to fish, bees, and aquatic organisms.

3. PROFENOFOS 40% + CYPERMETHRIN 4% EC (ENDOSEL)

According to your MSDS, Profenofos 40% + Cypermethrin 4% EC is a broad-spectrum combination insecticide formulated as an Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) containing Profenofos – 40% w/w (Organophosphate insecticide) and Cypermethrin – 4% w/w (Synthetic pyrethroid insecticide). This formulation provides dual action; the Profenofos delivers systemic and contact toxicity with a longer residual effect, while the Cypermethrin provides a quick knockdown effect through contact action.

Profenofos 40% + Cypermethrin 4% EC is used to control both sucking and chewing insect pests on major crops such as cotton, paddy (rice), maize, vegetables, pulses, and oilseeds (e.g., soybean, groundnut). Its targeted pests include bollworms (Helicoverpa armigera, pink and spotted bollworms), aphids, jassids, whiteflies, thrips, leaf folders, and fruit borers.

The combined action of Profenofos and Cypermethrin ensures effective and long-lasting pest control, acting on the insect’s nervous system to cause paralysis and death.

TARIFF CLASSIFICATION

Based on the above analysis, DICHLORVOS 1000 EC (CRUSH), QUINALPHOS 20% + CYPERMETHRIN 3% EC (VINSURE) and PROFENOFOS 40% + CYPERMETHRIN 4% EC (ENDOSEL) are insecticides which are classifiable in Tariff Heading 3808 – Insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, herbicides..... put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles (for example, sulphur-treated bands, wicks and candles, and fly-papers), and effectively classifiable under subheading 3808.91.11.90 - other insecticide put up for retail sale, for agricultural purposes with 5% Rate of Duty and 0% VAT in the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) 2022 - 2027. 

LEGAL FRAMEWORK

GIR 1 & 6