Statutory insecticide definition governs import permits for non-insecticidal use under the regulatory regime.

Ethephon, also known as ethrel, was treated as falling within the statutory definition of an insecticide because it was covered by the Act's definition and listed in the schedule. On that basis, the import of ethephon for non-insecticidal use was treated as requiring an import permit from the Registration Committee under the Foreign Trade framework read with the Insecticides Act. The broader challenge based on the exemption provision was not adjudicated, as the petitioners stated they would furnish the information sought for the permit, rendering that issue academic.

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Issues: Whether ethephon falls within the statutory definition of an insecticide; and whether, for import of the product for non-insecticidal use, a permit from the Registration Committee is required.

Analysis: Ethephon, also known as ethrel, was treated as falling within the definition of "insecticide" under the Act because it was covered by the relevant statutory definition and was reflected in the schedule to the Act. The notification issued under the Foreign Trade framework, read with the Insecticides Act, contemplated that insecticides imported for non-insecticidal use would require an import permit from the Registration Committee. In view of the petitioners' statement that they would furnish the information sought for grant of the permit, the larger challenge to whether other provisions of the Act applied in light of the exemption provision did not require adjudication and became academic.

Conclusion: Ethephon was held to be an insecticide, and the import permit process through the Registration Committee was treated as applicable for its non-insecticidal import and use.

Ratio Decidendi: A product that answers the statutory definition of an insecticide remains subject to the regulatory import-permit regime for non-insecticidal use, notwithstanding reliance on the exemption provision.

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