Puerto Rico bill PC 1464 proposes glyphosate and paraquat ban

Representative López Román introduced the bill on 29 September 2026. The official legislative record shows that it received first reading and was referred to the House Agriculture Committee on 5 October. It remains proposed legislation, so current Puerto Rico and federal pesticide requirements continue to apply.

The prohibition would extend across agricultural, commercial, industrial, institutional and residential settings. It would also cover right-of-way clearance on roads and the use of affected products at schools, public parks and other government infrastructure. The proposal does not set a concentration threshold, meaning its wording would capture any covered product containing glyphosate or paraquat dichloride.

The sole stated exemption is for controlled samples used for scientific or university academic research. That use would require prior joint written authorisation from the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, with strict biosafety protocols in closed laboratories.

PC 1464 proposes short transitions and substantial penalties

If enacted, PC 1464 would take effect immediately. Businesses, importers, distributors and agricultural retailers would have 90 calendar days to stop selling and importing covered products. Farmers and other holders would have no more than 120 calendar days to cease application.

The Department of Agriculture and environmental authorities would establish a free collection and disposal programme for remaining or confiscated inventory. The bill would also require the Governor to convene an agricultural-transition advisory group within 30 days. That group would have 90 days to publish a manual covering lower-toxicity herbicides and mechanical and biological weed-control alternatives.

Proposed enforcement measures include a minimum administrative fine of US$5,000 for a first violation and up to US$25,000 for subsequent violations, immediate revocation of certified-applicator licences and forfeiture of the affected chemical lot.

The bill cites paraquat's acute toxicity and potential neurological effects, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer's classification of glyphosate as probably carcinogenic to humans. These statements explain the sponsor's rationale but do not replace federal product assessments or establish that the proposal will pass unchanged.

Manufacturers and importers should identify Puerto Rico-specific registrations, customers and inventory, while distributors and users should assess contractual and disposal exposure. An analytical inference is that the combined ban and short sell-through periods could shift compliance risk rapidly from market access to inventory recovery if the bill advances. Early product-level mapping would make that transition more manageable without treating the proposal as current law.

Practical call to action: Monitor the Agriculture Committee, quantify affected Puerto Rico inventory and document alternatives, return routes and disposal responsibilities before any committee amendments or vote.

Related Foresight coverage: India cancels paraquat dichloride registrations; ECHA RAC retains its glyphosate carcinogenicity conclusion; Glyphosate regulation calls intensify after Seattle statement.