Paraquat Herbicide – Fast Burn-Down. Non-Selective

Paraquat 20% SL Product Specifications

Paraquat 20% SL is a liquid herbicide formulation. Its commercial specifications must clearly define the chemical identity of the active ingredient, the method of expressing its content, the formulation type, and the corresponding quality requirements.

For importers, the product name and labeled concentration are merely the starting point for procurement review. The product identity and concentration values stated on the label, Certificate of Analysis (COA), Technical Data Sheet (TDS), and registration documents must be consistent to avoid misinterpretation of specifications due to differences in measurement methods.

Specification Items	Product Information
Product Name	Paraquat 20% SL Herbicide
English Name	Paraquat 20% SL Herbicide
Active Ingredient	Paraquat
Nominal Concentration	20%
Formulation	Solvable Liquid (SL)
Product Category	Non-selective contact herbicide
Mode of Action Classification	HRAC Group 22
Main Mode of Action Characteristics	Contacts treated tissues and causes oxidative damage
Suitable Crops	Subject to the locally approved product label
Target Pests	Subject to specific registration scope and efficacy data
Quality Standards	Subject to actual product specifications and applicable standards
Batch documentation	COA and relevant technical data available upon request
Packaging specifications	To be confirmed based on actual supply capacity and target market requirements

How is the active ingredient content determined?

The content of paraquat may be expressed using different chemical measurement bases, such as paraquat dichloride or cationic paraquat. Values calculated using different bases cannot be directly considered equivalent.

Therefore, 20% cannot be directly converted to 200 g/L without verification. Purchasers should confirm, based on the actual product label, analytical methods, and technical specifications, whether the content is expressed as a mass fraction, mass concentration per unit volume, or another specified method.

Before formal procurement, the following information should be verified:

• The specific chemical identity and salt form of the active ingredient.
• The measurement basis corresponding to the nominal concentration.
• The analytical method and batch test results.
• Consistency among the label, COA, TDS, and registration documents.

If a comparison with paraquat products of different concentrations is required, the measurement basis for content should first be standardized before evaluating specifications and prices.

What are the differences between 20% SL paraquat and other specifications?

Soluble concentrates of paraquat at different concentrations, as well as technical concentrates intended for further processing, are classified as distinct product specifications; their technical parameters, quality standards, and application instructions cannot be directly interchanged.

This product page focuses on Paraquat 20% SL and does not treat other concentrations or technical concentrates as equivalent products.

Customers needing to purchase other specifications should separately verify the product identity, actual supply status, usage restrictions, and corresponding quality documentation.

Mechanism of Action of Paraquat 20% SL

Paraquat belongs to HRAC Group 22; its mechanism of action is related to Photosystem I in plant photosynthesis.

Under light conditions, paraquat interferes with the electron transport chain, promoting the formation of reactive oxygen species and causing oxidative damage to cell membranes and other cellular structures. Affected green plant tissues may exhibit symptoms such as desiccation, discoloration, wilting, and necrosis.

Its primary characteristic is contact action; it does not achieve systemic control through long-distance translocation within the plant.

Contact Herbicidal Action

Paraquat primarily acts on sensitive plant tissues that come into direct contact with the herbicide. Its visible effects depend on the actual contact conditions, weed species, growth stage, and environmental conditions.

Therefore, contact action cannot be simply interpreted to mean that all weeds will die completely within the same timeframe after application.

When evaluating a product, purchasers should focus on the target weeds listed in the registration, the corresponding efficacy data, and the application scope clearly specified on the product label, rather than judging the final control efficacy solely based on rapidly appearing wilting symptoms.

Limits of Effectiveness Against Perennial Weeds

Some perennial weeds possess roots, rhizomes, or other underground organs capable of regrowth. Even if the aboveground parts are visibly damaged, this does not mean that these underground structures have been completely eradicated.

Therefore, paraquat’s contact-action characteristics should not be equated with systemic control of all underground regenerative organs of perennial weeds.

Product promotions involving perennial weeds should be limited based on specific target weeds and actual efficacy data, avoiding absolute statements such as “completely eradicates all perennial weeds.”

Key Technical Characteristics of Paraquat 20% SL

The product positioning of Paraquat 20% SL should focus on its non-selective, contact-action nature, and mode of action, rather than being generalized as a universal herbicide suitable for all crops and all weeds.

Non-Selective Herbicidal Characteristics

Non-selectivity means that paraquat does not naturally distinguish between target weeds and other sensitive plant tissues.

If the spray solution comes into contact with the green tissue of sensitive crops, it may also cause damage. Therefore, whether the product is suitable for a specific scenario must be determined based on its registered uses, permitted application methods, and crop safety requirements.

Rapid Visible Tissue Damage

Under suitable conditions, paraquat can cause visible damage to treated tissues relatively quickly.

However, the time it takes for visible symptoms to appear does not equate to the time it takes for all weeds to die, nor can it be used to prove that underground regenerative organs have been eliminated.

Product promotions should distinguish between “rapid onset of tissue damage” and “final control efficacy,” and avoid conflating the two.

It should not be described as having broad systemic translocation capabilities

Paraquat’s core mode of action is contact toxicity, not extensive long-distance translocation within the plant.

For weeds requiring control of underground regenerative organs or specific growth points, herbicides with different modes of action should be evaluated based on the characteristics of the target weeds and legally registered uses; one cannot infer that paraquat possesses systemic control capabilities solely based on its aboveground weed control performance.

Target Weeds and Weed Control Scope

Paraquat exhibits non-selective contact activity; however, sensitivity, tissue coverage, and final control results may vary among different weed species.

Specific target weeds must be determined based on the approved label of the commercial product and relevant efficacy data; the general scope of action of the active ingredient cannot be directly regarded as the complete registered control spectrum for every formulation.

Weed Categories	Technical Notes	Items Requiring Confirmation
Annual broadleaf weeds	Sensitive green tissues may show damage upon contact with the herbicide	Specific weed species and registered scope
Annual grass weeds	Exhibits contact herbicidal activity against sensitive weeds	Weed species, growth stages, and efficacy data
Perennial weeds	Above-ground parts may be damaged, but underground organs may regenerate	Actual control efficacy and follow-up management requirements
Mixed weed communities	Different species may exhibit varying levels of sensitivity	Target weed combinations and specific application scenarios
Regrowing weeds	May be associated with surviving growing tissue or underground structures	Visible wilting should not be directly interpreted as complete eradication

How to Interpret the Weed Control Spectrum?

When evaluating Paraquat 20% SL, you should first confirm whether the registered label for the target market covers the weed categories and application scenarios you plan to address.

Importers and distributors should not promote the product for use on all agricultural crops, orchards, or non-cropland scenarios based solely on the general description of “broad-spectrum herbicide.”

If you need to compare the technical positioning of different herbicides, you may further refer to Weed Management Solutions to evaluate product portfolios based on weed categories, modes of action, and specific product applications.

Scope of Application and Crop Safety

Paraquat 20% SL is a non-selective herbicide; its crop safety cannot be determined solely based on the name of the active ingredient or the usage history of other paraquat products.

Specific uses should be based on the approved label for the product in the target country or region. In the absence of explicit registration criteria, a particular crop, orchard, or other production system should not be classified as falling within the product’s confirmed scope of application.

Crop Selectivity and Risk of Phytotoxicity

Paraquat may cause significant damage when it comes into contact with the green tissues of susceptible crops.

Therefore, when evaluating product uses, the crops, application scenarios, application methods, and other restrictions specified on the approved label must be verified. The product must not be described as safe for all crops, nor should it be inferred that a specific application method will definitely not cause phytotoxicity solely based on its contact action.

Protection of Non-Target Plants

Spray drift may cause the herbicide solution to come into contact with sensitive plants outside the target area.

The actual risk of drift is influenced by factors such as equipment, droplet characteristics, weather, and application conditions. Relevant protective requirements, restricted areas, and other management measures should follow the specific product label and local regulations.

The SL formulation itself does not guarantee a reduction in spray drift and cannot be used as direct evidence of environmental safety.

Soil Behavior and Successor Crops

The contact herbicidal action of paraquat is distinct from its behavior in the soil.

The fact that it is not a herbicide that relies on extensive systemic translocation does not justify directly claiming that there are no environmental residues or that all succeeding crops are unaffected.

When considering succeeding crops, crop rotation restrictions, and environmental risks, judgments should be based on actual product data and applicable regulations; no unsubstantiated blanket assurances should be made.

Application Requirements and Registered Label

The specific application scenarios, application restrictions, and related parameters for Paraquat 20% SL must strictly follow the product label approved for the target market.

This page does not provide universal application rates applicable across countries, crops, or concentrations, nor does it directly apply the usage instructions for other paraquat formulations to this product.

Items to Confirm Before Use

Verification Items	Key Requirements
Product Identity	Confirm that the product actually supplied is Paraquat 20% SL
Content Specifications	Verify the active ingredient measurement method and labeled concentration
Target Market	Confirm the legality of import, sale, possession, and use
Registered Uses	Verify approved crops, application scenarios, and target pests
Usage Restrictions	Comply with specific provisions on the product label
Safety Requirements	Verify personal protective equipment, handling, and storage requirements
Environmental Restrictions	Confirm applicable drift, buffer zone, and other requirements
Packaging and Transportation	Comply with applicable packaging, transportation, and dangerous goods regulations

Paraquat is highly toxic; its legality in a given market cannot be determined solely based on general product descriptions provided by suppliers. Importers should complete the necessary product identity, registration, and compliance verifications prior to commercial procurement.

Formulation Quality and Quality Control

For Paraquat 20% SL, quality control focuses on verifying active ingredient content, formulation quality, batch consistency, and packaging compatibility.

Purchasers should focus on the quality standards of the actual commercial formulation rather than judging product compliance solely based on the active ingredient name or nominal concentration.

Key Quality Parameters

Quality Items	Key Points for Procurement Audit
Identity of Active Ingredients	Verification of Specific Chemical Form and Analytical Identity
Active Ingredient Content	Confirm compliance with actual product specifications
Method of expressing content	Verify consistency between labeling and COA
Appearance	Check for compliance with product quality standards
Relevant physicochemical parameters	Evaluate based on the actual formulation standards
Storage Stability	Verify available stability data
Packaging Compatibility	Confirm suitability of containers and sealing systems
Batch Traceability	Verify that the lot number matches the corresponding quality documentation
Label Consistency	Ensure that product labeling matches the actual specifications and registration data

Specific testing methods, parameter limits, and acceptance criteria shall be based on the actual product quality standards and applicable regulations; they must not be arbitrarily established without a basis.

Batch Quality and COA

The Certificate of Analysis (COA) is used to record the test results for a specific batch and its compliance with the corresponding quality standards.

The purchaser should verify that the COA corresponds to 20% Paraquat SL, and not to other concentrations, other dosage forms, or technical concentrates.

For long-term procurement projects, batch acceptance requirements, procedures for handling quality disputes, and relevant traceability information should also be clearly defined.

SDS and TDS

The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is used to describe the hazards of a specific formulation, operational precautions, storage, emergency response, and other relevant safety information.

The Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is used to describe the confirmed product specifications, technical parameters, and other applicable information.

Since paraquat is highly toxic, these documents must correspond to the actual commercial formulation and be consistent with the approved label and applicable hazard classifications.

Other technical documents, analytical methods, or stability data required for registration applications should be confirmed on a case-by-case basis according to the specific product and the scope of documents actually available.

Packaging, Storage, and Transportation

Packaging and logistics requirements for 20% SL paraquat should be validated based on the actual product’s compatibility, hazard classification, and destination regulations.

The suitability of a container for this formulation cannot be determined solely based on its capacity or appearance.

Packaging Requirements

Packaging Audit Items	Key Considerations
Packaging Capacity	Confirm available specifications and procurement requirements
Container Material	Verify compatibility with the specific formulation
Sealing System	Meet applicable sealing and safety requirements
Product Labeling	Compliance with product registration and local language requirements
Batch Information	Retain necessary batch numbers and traceability information
Transport Packaging	Compliance with applicable dangerous goods transport regulations
Destination Requirements	Confirm that the product and packaging can be legally imported

Storage and Transportation Requirements

The product should be kept in its original packaging and stored under the conditions specified on the label and in the SDS.

Packaging should remain intact, with clear labeling, and appropriate safety measures should be taken to prevent access by children and unauthorized personnel. The product must not be transferred into food or beverage containers.

Transportation, storage, spill response, and waste disposal must be carried out in accordance with the safety data sheet for the specific product and the regulations of the destination.

OEM/ODM and Custom Packaging

For projects that comply with local regulations and meet actual supply conditions, brand labeling and custom packaging requirements can be evaluated based on product identity, packaging requirements, and target market regulations.

Custom projects must maintain consistency regarding active ingredients, concentrations, hazard information, approved uses, and other label content. Custom packaging does not substitute for product registration nor authorize product promotion beyond the scope of approval.

What must pesticide importers confirm when purchasing 20% SL paraquat?

For professional procurement clients, product concentration is only part of the information required for a quote. Product identity, market access, quality documentation, and logistics conditions equally determine whether a procurement project can proceed.

Before formal procurement, it is recommended to verify the following information.

Procurement Project	Items to Confirm
Target Country	Actual Import and Sales Market
Product Specifications	Paraquat 20% SL and corresponding technical data
Active ingredient specification	Chemical form, nominal content, and measurement method
Registration status	Actual market access status of the product in the target market
Customer Type	Importer, Distributor, Wholesaler, or Registered Company
Purchase Quantity	Estimated Purchase Volume and Purchase Cycle
Packaging Requirements	Capacity, Container, and Labeling Requirements
Quality Documentation	COA, SDS, TDS, and Other Required Documentation
Logistics Conditions	Applicable Dangerous Goods Transportation and Import Requirements
Delivery Arrangements	Confirmed Supply Capacity and Commercial Terms

For long-term procurement projects, quality standards, batch documentation, packaging acceptance, and delivery conditions should also be clearly defined to minimize commercial risks arising from product specification inconsistencies.

POMAIS’s standard minimum order quantity for pesticide business is 1,000 L/kg; the specific units applicable to liquid products, actual available quantities, and order conditions must be determined after confirming the product’s supply status. All procurement arrangements are subject to the destination market permitting import and sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

To which class of herbicides does Paraquat 20% SL belong?

Paraquat 20% SL is a non-selective contact herbicide classified under HRAC Group 22. It primarily causes oxidative damage to treated plant tissues by disrupting electron transport in photosystem I.

Is paraquat a contact or systemic herbicide?

Paraquat is primarily a contact herbicide. Its primary mode of action is to damage sensitive plant tissues that come into direct contact with the product; it should not be described as having extensive long-distance systemic translocation capabilities.

Can paraquat completely control all perennial weeds?

No such guarantee can be made. Some perennial weeds may regrow from surviving roots, rhizomes, or other underground structures even after their aboveground parts have been damaged. Actual control efficacy depends on the specific weed and corresponding efficacy data.

Is 20% paraquat equivalent to 200 g/L?

This conversion cannot be made directly. It is necessary to first confirm the method of measuring the labeled concentration, the chemical form of the active ingredient, and the basis for concentration conversion.

Can 20% Paraquat SL be sold in all countries?

This cannot be assumed. The approval status, import conditions, sales restrictions, and usage requirements for paraquat may vary significantly across different countries and regions. Current regulations for the specific product and target market must be verified.

Is 20% Paraquat SL suitable for household use?

This product should not be marketed as a herbicide for general household consumers. Paraquat is highly toxic, and the sale, possession, and use of the product must comply with applicable local authorizations and restrictions.

What documents should be requested from suppliers during procurement?

The Certificate of Analysis (COA), Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Technical Data Sheet (TDS), and other necessary documents should be confirmed based on the actual product and project requirements. All documentation must correspond to the exact commercial specifications and cannot be substituted with documents for other concentrations or technical concentrates.

What is the minimum order quantity for Paraquat 20% SL?

The standard minimum order quantity for POMAIS’s pesticide business is 1,000 L/kg. For this product, the actual applicable units of measurement, delivery form, packaging, and purchasing terms must be determined after confirming product supply capacity and compliance with the destination market’s regulations.

Can custom brand labels and packaging be provided?

For projects that comply with local regulations and meet actual supply conditions, we can evaluate requests for custom packaging. Specific arrangements depend on product specifications, packaging compatibility, registration status, and labeling requirements of the target market.

Paraquat 20% SL Product Specifications and Procurement Inquiries

POMAIS offers professional procurement and supply partnerships to pesticide importers, distributors, wholesalers, and registration companies.

If you are evaluating Paraquat 20% SL, please provide the target country, required product specifications, estimated purchase volume, packaging requirements, and registration status so that we can confirm product information, supply conditions, and relevant compliance requirements.

We recommend verifying the following prior to formal procurement:

• The active ingredient and its concentration.
• Product access and sales restrictions in the target market.
• Quality and safety documentation actually available.
• Packaging, transportation, and delivery terms.
• Purchase quantities and specific commercial terms.

Product supply and procurement arrangements will be based on actual product data, availability, and regulations in the destination market.

To further evaluate the product specifications and procurement terms for Paraquat 20% SL, please submit a business inquiry via the POMAIS official website.