A number of international initiatives attempt to establish basic regulatory measures for pesticides at the global level. Since chemical pollution does not respect national borders, contamination by pesticides can have far reaching effects.

Various conventions or voluntary codes apply at different stages in the pesticide life cycle, from bans in production (Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants), trade and import (Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent) and disposal (Basel Convention on Hazardous Wastes).