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International IssuesTrade Issues | Importing and Exporting Foods | International Agreements | Regulatory Coordination and Harmonization | Information Sharing and Technical Assistance The use and regulation of pesticides has a significant international component. The goals and benefits of EPA's international pesticide activities range from protecting the U.S. food supply to assisting developing countries to develop appropriate pesticide regulatory programs. Trade IssuesEPA regulates both the import and export of pesticides. Importing and Exporting Food Just as international trade in pesticide products has grown exponentially, so too has trade in agricultural products treated with pesticides. Many federal agencies regulate the imported food and food products, but EPA’s role is limited to the establishment of pesticide tolerances, or maximum residue levels, on food – whether of domestic or foreign origin.
EPA works closely with U.S. agencies, foreign countries, and international organizations to develop or strengthen international standards and legal mechanisms related to the sound management of chemicals. Quite a few international agreements have been developed on different aspects of pesticides, including:
EPA works with other countries and international organizations to pursue harmonization of pesticide related activities in order to: a) promote benefits from shared scientific and technical expertise, b) lessen the resource burden on governments and the regulatory community, and c) maintain high standards for the protection of human health and the environment. Information Sharing and Technical AssistanceEPA works with foreign governments and international organizations to support and strengthen pesticide regulatory capacity based on principles of sound science, accepted international standards, and the exchange of technical information.
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