Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board

Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board Regulatory Authority in Guyana for Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals.

The Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) was established in 2000 as a semi-autonomous agency within the Ministry of Agriculture, operating under the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Act 2000 (No. 13 of 2000). We are the regulatory body dedicated to ensuring the safe and effective management of pesticides and toxic chemicals in Guyana. Our mission is to promote the safe and ju

dicious use of chemicals to reduce and eliminate risks to human health and the environment. The main functions of the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board are:
- Registering pesticides and toxic chemicals for use in Guyana.
- Licensing individuals to import or manufacture registered pesticides and toxic chemicals.
- Authorizing individuals to sell pesticides.
- Registering premises where pesticides may be sold.
- Licensing pest control operators.
- Considering and determining applications made pursuant to this Act and dealing with all aspects of the importation, manufacture, transportation, storage, packaging, preparation for sale, sale, use, and disposal of pesticides and toxic chemicals. Additionally, the board oversees a well-equipped laboratory—the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Laboratory (PTCL). This laboratory was established in 2008 to provide the chemical analysis required to support the implementation of a chemical management program for Guyana. The PTCL is a multi-purpose facility with the capacity to conduct verification analyses on agrochemicals and the nutrient content of fertilizers, as well as perform residual pesticide analysis of agricultural produce and water.

The UPOPs Family Meets Its Match: BEPs and BATs in Action​Unintentional Persistent Organic Pollutants (UPOPs) — represen...
03/09/2026

The UPOPs Family Meets Its Match: BEPs and BATs in Action​

Unintentional Persistent Organic Pollutants (UPOPs) — represented by 'Hex', 'Bute', 'Pent', 'Polly', 'Diox', 'Tox', and 'Nappy' — have long persisted in our environment, silently impacting ecosystems and human health. But their influence can be reduced when confronted with Best Environmental Practices (BEPs) and Best Available Techniques (BATs).​

UPOPs in Retreat​

Through sustainable farming, 'Hex' loses his grip on soil and water.​

With cleaner industrial technologies, 'Bute' and 'Nappy' are pushed aside.​

'Polly’s' threat to marine life diminishes with ocean protection initiatives.​

'Diox' and 'Tox' are contained through clean energy solutions and modern waste management.​

Step by step, each member of the UPOPs family is challenged by BEPs and BATs.​

The Strength of BEPs and BATs​

BEPs and BATs are more than technical terms — they are proven solutions.​

BEPs guide us to reduce waste, improve disposal, and make sustainable choices.​

BATs introduce the most advanced industrial technologies to prevent and control emissions.​

Together, they embody innovation, responsibility, and a commitment to environmental health.​

A Path Toward Safer Environments.​

By adopting BEPs and BATs, we can reduce the prevalence of UPOPs in agriculture, industry, and urban spaces. These strategies are essential for safeguarding biodiversity, protecting communities, and building a cleaner future.​

Your Role Matters.​

From supporting eco-friendly products to advocating for strong environmental policies, each action contributes to this collective effort. Together, we can ensure that UPOPs no longer define our shared environment. ​

​Find out more: https://ptccb.org.gy/news/

Tackling UPOPs with Smarter Solutions: BEPs and BATs​In the fight against Unintentional Persistent Organic Pollutants (U...
02/09/2026

Tackling UPOPs with Smarter Solutions: BEPs and BATs​

In the fight against Unintentional Persistent Organic Pollutants (UPOPs), two strategies set the benchmark for prevention: Best Environmental Practices (BEPs) and Best Available Techniques (BATs).​

BEPs – Everyday Prevention.​

BEPs focus on reducing or preventing the release of UPOPs through sustainable choices and responsible practices. This includes reducing waste, using safer alternatives, adopting sustainable agriculture, and promoting eco-friendly consumer habits. BEPs are about everyday decisions that protect communities and ecosystems.​

BATs – Industry Standards.​

BATs refer to the most advanced industrial methods for preventing or controlling UPOP emissions. From cleaner production technologies to process redesign and state-of-the-art waste management, BATs set the bar for industries like manufacturing, energy, and chemicals. They ensure that production continues with the least environmental impact.​

Why They Matter.​

BEPs and BATs complement each other. Together, they represent a comprehensive approach that blends individual responsibility with technological innovation. Adopting both reduces the global burden of UPOPs and sets a pathway towards safer, more sustainable systems.​

The Shared Responsibility​

From households to industries, everyone has a role to play. Supporting BEPs and BATs means endorsing practices and technologies that directly reduce the prevalence of UPOPs. Collective commitment is the key to safeguarding both health and environment.​

Act Now. By embracing these approaches, we are not only limiting hidden pollutants but also building a legacy of cleaner, healthier living.​

​Find out more: https://ptccb.org.gy/news/

Everyday Actions Against Hidden Pollutants​​Unintentional Persistent Organic Pollutants (UPOPs) are toxic by-products th...
01/09/2026

Everyday Actions Against Hidden Pollutants​​

Unintentional Persistent Organic Pollutants (UPOPs) are toxic by-products that linger in soil, water, and air, posing lasting risks to health and the environment. But individual choices matter. Each action, no matter how small, can contribute to reducing their impact.​

Our interactive carousel highlights practical steps you can take: minimize waste, support clean energy, choose eco-friendly products, join community clean-ups, and embrace sustainable transportation. We also emphasize the importance of educating others and supporting strong environmental policies.​

Every Action Counts.​

Together, these individual efforts form a collective force for change. By adopting cleaner habits and advocating for safer practices, we can reduce the presence of UPOPs and safeguard our environment for future generations.​

Stop the UPOPs. Explore the steps, take action, and be part of the movement for a healthier planet.​

​Find out more: https://ptccb.org.gy/news/

Today we focus on Nap, a character representing Polychlorinated Naphthalenes (PCNs). Once widely used for their chemical...
31/08/2026

Today we focus on Nap, a character representing Polychlorinated Naphthalenes (PCNs). Once widely used for their chemical stability and heat resistance, PCNs now symbolize the lingering challenges of industrial pollutants that persist long after their production has ended.​

Who is Nap?​

Chemical Profile: Nap embodies PCNs, historically used in applications such as electrical insulation, wood preservation, and industrial coatings.​

Industrial Legacy: Although intentional production has stopped, Nap persists in the environment, particularly near former industrial sites.​

Why Nap Matters.​

Health Risks: PCN exposure has been linked to serious health conditions, including skin disorders and liver disease, particularly among workers.​

Environmental Persistence: Nap highlights how PCNs remain in soil, water, and ecosystems for decades, contaminating wildlife and entering the food chain.​

Complex Clean-Up: Their stability makes remediation of contaminated areas technically challenging and resource-intensive.​

Addressing the Challenge​:

Support Remediation: ​

✅ Advocate for clean-up and restoration of contaminated industrial sites.​

✅ Promote Safer Industry: Encourage modern practices that prevent the creation of persistent pollutants.​

✅ Raise Awareness: Educating communities about the risks and history of PCNs helps identify and manage legacy pollution.​

✅ Strengthen Oversight: Push for monitoring and regulation to prevent further exposure.​

Stop the POPs. Confronting Nap’s legacy is essential to safeguarding both human health and ecosystems. Together we can break free from the shadow of past industrial practices and build a cleaner future.​
​
Find out more: https://ptccb.org.gy/

Tox and the Dangers of Open Burning​Open burning of waste is a widespread but hazardous practice that releases a mix of ...
28/08/2026

Tox and the Dangers of Open Burning​

Open burning of waste is a widespread but hazardous practice that releases a mix of toxic chemicals into the environment. Among the most harmful are Tox (Polychlorinated dibenzofurans, PCDFs), dangerous pollutants formed when plastics and synthetic materials are burned.​

Who is Tox?​

Tox represents PCDFs, compounds closely related to dioxins that share their toxic effects, including potential carcinogenicity. Whenever waste is burned openly, Tox is released into the air we breathe and the soil we rely on, threatening both human and environmental health.​

The Impact:

Open burning releases not only Tox but also dioxins, furans, and particulate matter. These pollutants cause respiratory illnesses, skin diseases, and long-term conditions such as cancer. They also harm wildlife, contaminate ecosystems, and accumulate in the food chain.​

Addressing the Threat:

✅Avoid Burning Waste: Choose safer alternatives such as recycling and composting.​

✅Support Proper Waste Management: Advocate for sustainable disposal systems in your community.​

✅Raise Awareness: Educate others about the dangers of open burning and its pollutants.​

✅Strengthen Policies: Encourage laws and initiatives that restrict open burning and promote clean air.​

Stop the POPs. By reducing open burning, we can limit the release of harmful pollutants like Tox. Together, we can protect our health, safeguard ecosystems, and build a cleaner, safer future.​

​Find out more: https://ptccb.org.gy/news/

Unmasking Diox and Tox: Hidden Threats in the Air.​Today we spotlight two members of the UPOPs family: Diox (Polychlorin...
27/08/2026

Unmasking Diox and Tox: Hidden Threats in the Air.​

Today we spotlight two members of the UPOPs family: Diox (Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, PCDDs) and Tox (Polychlorinated dibenzofurans, PCDFs). Both are by-products of combustion processes and represent serious risks to health and the environment.​

Who Are They?​

Diox – The Invisible Hazard: Emerging from waste burning, industrial activity, and vehicle emissions, Diox contaminates air and soil while persisting in the environment.​

Tox – The Urban Threat: Closely related to Diox, Tox is strongly associated with urban combustion sources such as vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions.​

The Impact:

Diox and Tox are highly persistent pollutants. They accumulate in ecosystems, disrupt biodiversity, and can enter the food chain. Long-term exposure is linked to immune disorders, developmental issues, and increased cancer risk.​

Taking Action:

✅Reduce Waste Burning: Support safer waste disposal and discourage open burning.​

✅Promote Clean Energy: Cleaner, renewable energy reduces harmful combustion by-products.​

✅Stronger Emission Controls: Advocate for stricter industrial and vehicular standards.​

✅Build Awareness: Understanding their sources and risks helps communities take preventive action.​

Stop the POPs. Together, we can reduce the presence of Diox and Tox and protect our environment for generations to come.​

​Find out more: https://ptccb.org.gy/news/

The Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) continues to advance the delivery of regulatory services throug...
26/08/2026

The Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) continues to advance the delivery of regulatory services through its Licensing & Registration Service (L.&.R.S.), which has recorded significant progress since its official launch on July 1, 2026.

The digital platform was introduced to provide stakeholders with a more efficient, accessible and streamlined approach to accessing key regulatory services.

In just under two months, L.&.R.S. has facilitated the registration of 446 user accounts, comprising 361 companies and 85 brokers. The platform has also supported the issuance of 1,157 licences, including 1,135 import licences and 22 export licences, while 1,435 products have been registered through the system.

Through L.&.R.S., stakeholders can conveniently apply for services online, track the progress of their applications, access multiple services through a single portal and receive timely updates on payments and invoice status.

The continued growth and utilisation of the platform demonstrate its effectiveness in improving service delivery and enhancing stakeholder access to the PTCCB's regulatory services.

The PTCCB remains committed to leveraging technology and innovation to provide secure, reliable and efficient services to all stakeholders.

Unintentional Persistent Organic Pollutants (UPOPs) are a family of toxic by-products that persist in soil, water, and a...
26/08/2026

Unintentional Persistent Organic Pollutants (UPOPs) are a family of toxic by-products that persist in soil, water, and air. From Hex contaminating farmland to Polly disrupting marine life, each character in this toxic family reveals a different dimension of environmental harm.​

Through our latest Instant Experience, explore how UPOPs affect ecosystems and communities, and learn practical steps you can take to help reduce their impact.​

Stop the POPs. Together we can raise awareness, drive change, and protect our planet for future generations.​

​Find out more: https://ptccb.org.gy/news/

Spotlight on Pent and Polly: Two Hidden Pollutants.​As part of our environmental awareness campaign, today we turn the f...
24/08/2026

Spotlight on Pent and Polly: Two Hidden Pollutants.​

As part of our environmental awareness campaign, today we turn the focus on Pent (Pentachlorobenzene, PeCB) and Polly (Polychlorinated Biphenyls, PCBs). These pollutants persist in our ecosystems and pose significant risks to both biodiversity and human health.​

Who Are They?​

Pent – The Far-Travelling Pollutant: Resistant to breakdown, Pent can move across long distances through air, soil, and water, affecting ecosystems both near and far.​

Polly – The Aquatic Adversary: Found predominantly in marine environments, Polly disrupts aquatic life and enters the food chain, posing serious threats to biodiversity and human health.​

Why Awareness Matters:

Understanding the impact of Pent and Polly empowers us to take steps that protect water quality, conserve biodiversity, and reduce pollution at its source. Awareness builds the foundation for collective action and long-term change.​

Join the Conversation.​

Share knowledge within your community, advocate for cleaner practices, and support conservation initiatives aimed at reducing the impact of persistent pollutants like Pent and Polly.​

Stop the POPs. By recognizing these hidden threats, we can work together to safeguard ecosystems and protect future generations.​

​Find out more: https://ptccb.org.gy/news/

The Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) today concluded its two-day Fumigation Training. The training b...
19/08/2026

The Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) today concluded its two-day Fumigation Training. The training brought together participants from the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO), and Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).

PTCCB remains committed to strengthening technical capacity and promoting safe and responsible fumigation practices.

Address

NAREI Compound, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara
Georgetown

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:30
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:30
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:30
Thursday 08:00 - 16:30
Friday 08:00 - 15:30

Telephone

+5922208880

Website

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