Dimethomorph: non-renewal of EU approval
- Pesticides
Summary
The European Commission has decided not to renew approval of the active substance dimethomorph. This is due to concerns about dimethomorph’s toxicity to reproduction and its endocrine disruption properties in humans and mammals. This will oblige EU Member States to ban the use of products containing dimethomorph. The non-renewal is expected to lead to a reduction in the dimethomorph maximum residue levels (MRLs) to 0.01–0.05 mg/kg on all products in 2025. This could have an impact on exports of fruits, vegetables, and spices.
EU has not renewed approval of the pesticide dimethomorph
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1207 of 29 April 2024 concerning the non-renewal of the approval of the active substance dimethomorph, 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 decided not to renew approval of the active substance dimethomorph. This is due to concerns about dimethomorph’s toxicity to reproduction and its endocrine disruption properties in humans and mammals. This will oblige EU Member States to ban the use of products containing dimethomorph. The non-renewal is expected to lead to a reduction in the dimethomorph maximum residue levels (MRLs) to 0.01–0.05 mg/kg on all products in 2025. This could have an impact on exports of fruits, vegetables, and spices.
Impacted Products
Oranges, grapes, strawberries, papayas, potatoes, radishes, bulb vegetables, fruiting vegetables, brassica vegetables, leaf vegetables, herbs and edible flowers, legume vegetables, celeries, globe artichokes, leeks, seed spices, and caraway
What is changing?
The European Commission has decided not to renew approval for the pesticide dimethomorph. EU farmers will therefore no longer be able to use products containing this active substance.
Why?
Following an application for the renewal of approval of dimethomorph, EFSA (2023) identified concerns regarding the substance’s toxicity to reproduction and its endocrine disruption properties for humans and mammals. The necessary approval criteria were not satisfied and renewal was not granted.
Timeline
Date of entry into force: 20 May 2024.
EU producers will be permitted to use stocks of products containing dimethomorph until May 2025.
What are the major implications for exporting countries?
Following the non-renewal or withdrawal of approvals for pesticide active substances, the EU starts the process of lowering or removing the MRLs. These are typically set at 0.01 mg/kg or the limit of analytical determination (LOD, the lowest level that can be detected using the most modern and reliable analytical methods). In most circumstances this means that they can no longer be used on crops for export to the EU. Exporting countries should start to look for alternative solutions to dimethomorph or consider a request for EU import tolerances.
Recommended Actions
As the EU MRLs for dimethomorph are likely to be reduced to the LOD, suppliers of fruits, vegetables, and spices currently using dimethomorph on crops for export to the EU should review their current good agricultural practices (GAP) and start to look for alternative solutions.
Background
For further information on recent non-renewals and withdrawal of substances, see Latest pesticide non-renewals, withdrawals and restrictions.
Resources
EFSA (2023) Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance dimethomorph. EFSA Journal, 21(6): 8032.
Sources
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1207 concerning the non-renewal of the approval of the active substance dimethomorph
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EU has not renewed approval of the pesticide dimethomorph
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1207 concerning the non-renewal of the approval of the active substance dimethomorph
What is changing and why?
The EU has decided not to renew approval of this active substance due to concerns about endocrine disruption and its toxicity to reproduction in humans and mammals. EU farmers will no longer be able to use products containing the pesticide dimethomorph.
Actions
Suppliers of fruits, vegetables, and spices should assess the use of dimethomorph on products exported to the EU. EU maximum residue limits (MRLs) for dimethomorph are likely to be reduced to 0.01–0.05 mg/kg on all products. If use of this substance leaves residues, prepare to find alternative solutions in the next 12 months.
Timeline
This Regulation will enter into force on 20 May 2024.
EU producers will be permitted to use stocks of products containing dimethomorph until May 2025.
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.