CCPR (The Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues) is a subsidiary body of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) that advises on all matters related to pesticide residues. Its primary objective is to develop Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), in order to protect the health of the consumer while facilitating international trade.

CCPR was originally hosted by the Netherlands from its first session in 1966, to the 38th session in 2006.Recent sessions were often participated by more than 60 delegations of member countries/organizations or international organizations, with about 260 delegates.From 2007, China becomes the host government of the 39th and future sessions of CCPR.The 39th session will take place during 7-12th May in Beijing.

CCPR works closely with the Joint FAO/WHO Meetings on Pesticide Residues (JMPR).CCPR discusses and approves MRLs based on recommendations by JMPR, and then sends for final approval by CAC as Codex MRLs.CCPR also prepares a priority list of pesticides for evaluation by JMPR.

CCPR’s official Terms of Reference:
(a) to establish maximum limits for pesticide residues in specific food items or in groups of food;
(b) to establish maximum limits for pesticide residues in certain animal feeding stuffs moving in international trade where this is justified for reasons of protection of human health;
(c) to prepare priority lists of pesticides for evaluation by the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR);
(d) to consider methods of sampling and analysis for the determination of pesticide residues in food and feed;
(e) to consider other matters in relation to the safety of food and feed containing pesticide residues; and,
(f) to establish maximum limits for environmental and industrial contaminants showing chemical or other similarity to pesticides, in specific food items or groups of food.