Growing amounts of pesticides and plant growth regulators are being used in our time and call for action to ensure safety for man and farm animals. Toxicological rules and requirements are discussed with reference to the legal provisions in the USSR, USA, and FRG. Specifications for toxicological assessment of new preparations have been prepared in the GDR and Poland and are described. Particular emphasis is laid on studies into acute, subacute or subchronic, and chronic toxicity and delayed consequences. Conclusions are suggested and steps discussed to decide tolerances for food and feedstuffs.