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In February 2026, China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) issued Announcement No. 2 of 2026, releasing seven National Food Safety Standards. These standards include an updated version for the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticides in food (GB 2763-2026), along with six supporting testing methods. All seven standards will be officially implemented on March 1, 2026.
Seven National Food Safety Standards
Key Changes in GB 2763-2026
The GB 2763-2026 significantly broadens its regulatory scope by establishing maximum residue limits (MRLs) for 10,749 items covering 585 pesticides, including 2,4-DB, in food. It will replace the previous versions, GB 2763-2021 and GB 2763.1-2022. Compared with these earlier standards, in addition to structural adjustments and editorial revisions, the main technical changes are summarized as follows:
1. Updates to Pesticide and MRLs
This revision introduces updates to the pesticide inventory and corresponding MRLs:
Deletion of one pesticide: Fluensulfone has been removed from the standard, with the revision mainly affecting certain food categories, including vegetables, fruits, seasonings, and raw milk.
Addition of 370 new MRLs
Revision of 23 existing MRLs
Certain MRLs from temporary to official status for 113 pesticides (e.g., MCPAＧisooctyl).
Certain MRLs from official to temporary status for 7 pesticides (e.g., chlorothalonil).
Moreover, the revision updates the residue definitions for three pesticides, including glufosinate-ammonium, and revises the acceptable daily intake (ADI) values for two pesticides, including picoxystrobin.
2. Updates to Determination Standards
GB 2763-2026 introduces important adjustments to the supporting determination method framework. Specifically, the revision adds 14 new testing method standards, revises 3 existing method standards, and removes 20 outdated method standards.
Revisions to Appendix A (Food Classification System)
The food categories and edible portions specified in Appendix A are used to define the scope of application of the MRLs for pesticides. Where an MRL is established for a particular food category, it shall apply to all foods falling within that category, unless otherwise specifically provided. It has been revised as follows:
15 new food names added (e.g., pigeon pea)
Two food names deleted
One food classification structure revised
Industry Impact
GB 2763-2026 establishes a more comprehensive and risk-based pesticide residue control framework by covering all pesticides currently approved for use in China, as well as the country's major plant-derived agricultural products.
Notably, MRLs related to vegetables and fruits account for approximately 56.6% of the total limits, underscoring the regulatory focus on these high-consumption commodities and providing a clearer legal basis for enhanced supervision and enforcement. Food producers, exporters, and importers should review pesticide use practices and residue testing programs to ensure continued compliance under the revised standard.
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