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Pesticides & GMO · Paraquat

Where paraquat is banned, and why

By · Published · Last checked

Where it stands

herbicide · Banned in 3 of 8 · Allowed in 1 of 3 in North America

  • European UnionBanned

    Banned 2007 after a court annulled its approval.

  • United KingdomBanned

    Banned.

  • ChinaBanned

    Domestic use banned 2017. China still makes it for export.

  • RussiaNot verified

    Not verified in this research pass. Check EAEU technical regulation TR CU 029/2012 on additives.

  • JapanNot verified

    Not verified in this research pass. Check MHLW list of designated food additives.

  • United StatesAllowed

    Restricted-use pesticide; licensed applicators only.

  • CanadaRestricted

    No products registered since 2023, though not formally banned.

  • MexicoNot verified

    Not verified in this research pass. Check the COFEPRIS acuerdo on additives and processing aids.

Also banned in: Brazil (2020), South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam; about 70 countries

Why is it restricted?

Highly poisonous if swallowed. Some studies have associated long-term exposure with Parkinson's disease; others haven't, and regulators still disagree on the evidence.

Where is it found?

Residues on some field crops. Never on a label.

How do I spot it on a label?

  • not labelled
  • Gramoxone (brand)

What you can do: Not something you can read on a label. Organic standards don't allow synthetic herbicides like this.

Quick answers

Is paraquat allowed in Canada?
Restricted. No products registered since 2023, though not formally banned.
Is paraquat allowed in the United States?
Allowed. Restricted-use pesticide; licensed applicators only.
Is paraquat allowed in the European Union?
Banned. Banned 2007 after a court annulled its approval.

Sources

  1. 28.CSG Midwest: Paraquat bans and Canada status (2026) (opens in a new tab)csgmidwest.org · Secondary: law firm, trade press, major media

General information, not legal or medical advice. “Banned elsewhere” doesn't automatically mean unsafe: some bans rest on animal welfare, trade or caution. Read the fact checks before sharing a list.

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