Buprofezin: Non-renewal of EU approval
- Food safety
- Pesticides
Summary
The European Commission has informed the Word Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (WTO TBT) Committee that it does not intend to renew approval of the active substance buprofezin, which has been identified as a an endocrine disruptor (G/TBT/N/EU/1218). This will oblige EU Member States to withdraw authorisations of products containing buprofezin. As the EU maximum residue levels (MRLs) for buprofezin are already set at the limit of determination (LOD – the lowest level that can be detected using the most modern and reliable analytical methods), this should have no impact on exports to the EU.
EU proposes not to renew its approval of buprofezin – Word Trade Organization consultation
Draft Commission Implementing Regulation concerning the non-renewal of the approval of the active substance buprofezin, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and amending Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011
Update
The European Commission has informed the Word Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (WTO TBT) Committee that it does not intend to renew approval of the active substance buprofezin, which has been identified as a an endocrine disruptor (G/TBT/N/EU/1218). This will oblige EU Member States to withdraw authorisations of products containing buprofezin. As the EU maximum residue levels (MRLs) for buprofezin are already set at the limit of determination (LOD – the lowest level that can be detected using the most modern and reliable analytical methods), this should have no impact on exports to the EU.
What is changing?
The European Commission does not intend to renew its approval for the active substance buprofezin. European farmers will no longer be able to use products containing this active substance.
Why?
Following an application to renew the approval of buprofezin, EFSA (2025) identified concerns about endocrine-disrupting properties. The necessary approval criteria were not satisfied and renewal was not permitted.
Timeline
This Regulation is expected to apply from November 2026.
Existing EU Member State authorisations of products containing buprofezin will have to be withdrawn within 6 months after the Regulation enters into force.
What are the major implications for exporting countries?
EU decisions not to renew, or to withdraw, approvals for pesticide active substances primarily affect EU producers.
The EU maximum residue levels (MRLs) for buprofezin are already set at the limit of determination (LOD – the lowest level that can be detected using the most modern and reliable analytical methods). Suppliers exporting to the EU may only continue to use buprofezin provided residues do not exceed these existing MRLs (between 0.01and 0.05 mg/kg). See EU Pesticide Database for the relevant MRLs.
Recommended Actions
Competent authorities of countries that are members of the WTO can submit comments on the EU’s proposal by emailing the EU TBT Enquiry Point until 31 August 2026.
Background
Buprofezin is an insecticide used on several fruit and vegetable crops to control whitefly and other insects.
This draft Regulation proposes to update the list of active substances approved for use in the EU, established by Regulation 540/2011. This list can be consulted via the EU database of active substances, safeners and synergists.
Resources
EFSA (2025) Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance buprofezin. EFSA Journal, 23: e9392.
Sources
Draft Commission Implementing Regulation concerning the non-renewal of the approval of the active substance buprofezin
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EU proposes not to renew its approval of buprofezin – Word Trade Organization consultation
Draft Commission Implementing Regulation concerning the non-renewal of the approval of the active substance buprofezin
What is changing and why?
The European Commission does not intend to renew its approval for the active substance buprofezin because concerns have been identified about its endocrine-disrupting properties.
As the EU maximum residue levels (MRLs) for buprofezin are already set at the limit of determination (LOD – the lowest level that can be detected using the most modern and reliable analytical methods), this should have no impact on exports to the EU.
Actions
Competent authorities of countries that are members of the World Trade Organization can submit comments on the EU’s proposal by emailing the EU TBT Enquiry Point until 31 August 2026.
Timeline
This Regulation is expected to apply from November 2026.
Existing EU Member State authorisations of products containing buprofezin will have to be withdrawn within 6 months after the Regulation enters into force.
Disclaimer: Under no circumstances shall COLEAD be liable for any loss, damage, liability or expense incurred or suffered that is claimed to have resulted from the use of information available on this website or any link to external sites. The use of the website is at the user’s sole risk and responsibility. This information platform was created and maintained with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents do not, however, reflect the views of the European Union.