Objective In order to reduce the risk of export, the current status of the maximum residue limits (MRLs) of pesticides in garlic at home and abroad were studied. And on this basis, the suggestions for improving the standards of pesticide residues of China in garlic were given. Methods Current and valid standards of pesticide MRLs in garlic from European Union (EU), International Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), Japan, South Korea and China were collected, compared and analyzed. Results There are 129 pesticide MRLs related to garlic in China, and the EU, Japan, South Korea and CAC standards have 510,252, 173 and 23 pesticide MRLs, respectively. There are 93,67, 56 and 18 pesticides in the EU, Japan, South Korea and CAC standards that are the same as those in China, respectively. Among them, 49,19,22 and 4 pesticides MRLs are lower than China, respectively. Conclusion Due to the different dietary structures and registered pesticides in different countries, China and the EU, CAC, Japan and South Korea have significant differences in the total number of pestcides and their MRLs. It is recommended to improve relevant standards in China based on the actual garlic production and dietary needs in China.