China to Approve the First RNA Pesticides

On April 10, 2026, the Institute for the Control of Agrochemicals, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (ICAMA) in China officially released a batch of proposed new pesticide registrations for public consultation. Among them, the first RNA interference (RNAi)-based biopesticides developed by Silicon Gene were on the list. This breakthrough signifies that RNAi technology has successfully transitioned from laboratory research to commercial application in China.

The Innovative Power of RNAi Technology

The two new pesticide products to be approved include RNAi 65% TK (Technical Concentrate) and 2.5% SC (Suspension Concentrate), specifically designed to control the Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV). The active ingredient, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), works by entering the cells of the pathogen and inducing "gene silencing." This precisely blocks the synthesis of essential proteins, effectively eliminating or inhibiting the disease.

Compared to traditional chemical pesticides, RNAi biopesticides offer several core advantages:

• High Specificity: They target only the gene sequences of specific pests or pathogens, posing no threat to non-target organisms or human health.

• Environmental Friendliness: dsRNA degrades easily in the natural environment, leaving no hazardous residues.

• Resistance Management: They provide a completely new mode of action (MoA) to address the growing issue of resistance to conventional pesticides.

New Data Requirements for RNA Pesticide Registration in China.

While RNAi technology holds immense promise, its entry into the Chinese market involves rigorous compliance review. China maintains high standards for the toxicological, environmental impact, and efficacy evaluation of new pesticides, particularly RNAi pesticides

In April 2026, China's ICAMA published draft Data Requirements on RNA Pesticide Registration. Compared to new chemical pesticides, the toxicology and environmental data for RNA pesticides has been significantly reduced. It is much easier and less expensive to register RNA Pesticides in China. More focus is now put on off-target risk analysis.

Future Outlook

The approval of China’s first RNAi biopesticide not only sets a global benchmark for sustainable agricultural development but also significantly boosts confidence in the biologicals market. CIRS Group will continue to deepen its expertise in the crop protection sector, assisting more disruptive technologies like RNAi to successfully land in China through professional regulatory services, collectively safeguarding the future of global food security and green agriculture.

CIRS Group – Your Strategic Partner for Pesticide Registration in China

Amidst this wave of global innovation, CIRS Group, with its deep regulatory expertise and exceptional technical team, is committed to providing one-stop registration solutions for domestic and international agrochemical enterprises. To meet the registration needs of innovative biopesticides like RNAi, CIRS Group offers the following core services:

1. Regulatory Strategy Consulting & Feasibility Analysis: Evaluating product classification and registration pathways at the early R&D stage to formulate the most efficient compliance strategy and mitigate market entry risks.

2. Full Registration Agency for New Pesticides: Covering the formal registration of both Technical (TK) and Formulated products, including data review, translation, dossier preparation, and submission.

3. High-Level Risk Assessment Reports: Leveraging a professional technical team to prepare Health Risk Assessments and Environmental Risk Assessments tailored to biopesticide characteristics, ensuring compliance with ICAMA’s stringent safety requirements.

4. GLP Study Monitoring & Coordination: Collaborating with numerous certified GLP laboratories globally to assist clients in completing efficacy, toxicology, and environmental impact tests, ensuring all data meets Chinese regulatory standards.

5. Official Liaison & Expert Defense: Representing clients in technical communications with regulatory authorities like ICAMA and organizing expert review meetings to provide robust compliance defense for complex technical points.

If you need any assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with us via service@cirs-group.com.