The Government of Pakistan has decided to restrict the import of chloroform (trichloromethane) following concerns over its widespread use and associated health and environmental risks, industry sources have confirmed.
The move comes after the Pakistan Footwear Manufacturers Association (PFMA) and the Pakistan Chemical Manufacturers Association (PCMA) petitioned authorities to ban chloroform imports, citing its use as an adhesive in the footwear industry and its potential to harm workers and the environment.
Consultations held by the Ministry of Commerce included representatives from the Ministry of Industries and Production, the Ministry of Climate Change, the Ministry of National Health Services, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). Most stakeholders supported a ban, though DRAP argued that chloroform remains essential for laboratory use and quality control in pharmaceutical manufacturing, and that a full ban could compromise drug testing standards.
As a result, the government has proposed amending the Import Policy Order 2022 so that chloroform under PCT heading 2903.1300 can only be imported by pharmaceutical companies, subject to a quota and a no-objection certificate (NOC) from DRAP. This targeted restriction aims to strike a balance between safety concerns and the need to maintain essential medical and testing supplies.
Industry observers say the restriction could help reduce unsafe usage of hazardous chemicals while ensuring controlled access for legitimate laboratory and pharmaceutical purposes. However, businesses that traditionally relied on chloroform for non-regulated applications, such as in adhesives, may need to explore alternatives or comply with tighter import controls.
