Draft Commission Regulation amending Annexes II and V to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for (Z)-13-hexadecen-11-yn-1-yl acetate, (Z,Z,Z,Z)-7,13,16,19-docosatetraen-1-yl isoburyrate, acrinathrin, azimsulfuron, famoxadone, methyl nonyl ketone, prochloraz and sodium hypochlorite in or on certain products

Update

On 13 June 2023, the European Commission notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a draft Regulation to reduce the maximum residue levels for famoxadone (G/SPS/N/EU/642). The MRLs will be reduced to the limit of determination (LOD, the lowest level that can be detected using the most modern and reliable analytical methods) of 0.01 mg/kg on all products. Where the detection level of 0.01 mg/kg cannot be met due to technical limitations, the MRL is 0.02 or 0.05 mg/kg.

There are some exceptions, where Codex MRLs that EFSA considers to be safe are maintained – these include wine grapes, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, courgettes, barley, wheat and animal products. There are implications for exporters of teas, infusions, fungi, oilseeds, cereals and animal products.

Impacted Products

table grapes, aubergines/ eggplants, gherkins, other cucurbits, melons, broccoli, cauliflowers, leeks, camomile, hibiscus, roselle, rose, jasmine, lime/ linden, bird eggs (chicken, duck, geese, quail)

What is changing?

The European Commission proposes changes to the MRLs for famoxadone as summarised in Table 1.

Why?

Since 9 September 2021, famoxadone is no longer permitted for use in the EU. The existing MRLs set for famoxadone have therefore been deleted and set to the LOD, except on certain products considered safe.

MRLs for femoxadone on wine grapes, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, courgettes, barley, wheat and animal products are based on Codex MRLs that are considered safe by EFSA (2023) and are therefore maintained.

Timeline

Expected adoption date: 19 January 2024.

Expected entry into force: 19 February 2024.

The new MRLs will apply from approximately 8 September 2024 – the precise date will be known once the Regulation is published.

Recommended Actions

Competent authorities of non-EU countries that are WTO members may comment on the EU proposal by emailing the EU SPS Enquiry Point until 12 August 2023.

Suppliers to the EU market of table grapes, aubergines/ eggplants, gherkins, melons, broccoli, cauliflowers, leeks, flower infusions (camomile, hibiscus/ roselle, rose, jasmine, lime/ linden) and bird eggs must find alternative solutions to existing use of famoxadone on these products by September 2024.

Background

MRLs are set in accordance with the rules set out in Regulation 396/2005. For information on current MRLs for other substances, please consult the EU Pesticide Residues database.

Resources

Sources

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