Flufenacet: non-renewal of approval
- Pesticides
Summary
The European Commission has informed the World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee that it does not intend to renew approval of the active substance flufenacet (G/TBT/N/EU/1105). This is due to concerns about the substance’s endocrine-disrupting properties for humans and non-target organisms. This will oblige European Union (EU) Member States to withdraw authorisations for products containing flufenacet. The non-renewal is also expected to lead to a reduction in flufenacet maximum residue levels (MRLs) to the default level (0.01 mg/kg) or the limit of determination (LOD, the lowest level that can be detected using the most modern and reliable analytical methods) on all products, which could have impacts on exports of potatoes, barley, and wheat.
EU proposes not to renew approval of the active substance flufenacet
Draft Commission Implementing Regulation concerning the non-renewal of the approval of the active substance flufenacet, 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 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/408
Update
The European Commission has informed the World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee that it does not intend to renew approval of the active substance flufenacet (G/TBT/N/EU/1105). This is due to concerns about the substance’s endocrine-disrupting properties for humans and non-target organisms. This will oblige European Union (EU) Member States to withdraw authorisations for products containing flufenacet. The non-renewal is also expected to lead to a reduction in flufenacet maximum residue levels (MRLs) to the default level (0.01 mg/kg) or the limit of determination (LOD, the lowest level that can be detected using the most modern and reliable analytical methods) on all products, which could have impacts on exports of potatoes, barley, and wheat.
Impacted Products
Potatoes, barley, wheat
What is changing?
The European Commission does not intend to renew its approval for the active substance flufenacet. EU farmers will therefore no longer be able to use products containing this active substance.
Why?
The EU proposes not to renew the approval for flufenacet due to concerns about its endocrine-disrupting properties (EFSA 2024).
Timeline
Expected date of entry into force: May 2025.
EU producers will be permitted to use stocks of products containing flufenacet until approximately the end of 2025.
Recommended Actions
As the EU MRLs for flufenacet are likely to be reduced following this decision, suppliers of potatoes, barley, and wheat currently using flufenacet on crops for export to the EU should review their current good agricultural practices (GAP) and start to look for alternative solutions.
Competent authorities of non-EU countries that are WTO members may comment on the EU proposal by emailing the EU TBT Enquiry Point until 9 March 2025 (G/TBT/N/EU/1105).
Background
For further information on recent non-renewals and withdrawal of substances, see Latest pesticide non-renewals, withdrawals and restrictions.
Resources
EFSA (2024) Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance flufenacet. EFSA Journal, 22: e8997.
Sources
Draft Commission Implementing Regulation concerning the non-renewal of the approval of the active substance flufenacet
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EU proposes not to renew approval of the active substance flufenacet
Draft Commission Implementing Regulation concerning the non-renewal of the approval of the active substance flufenacet
What is changing and why?
The European Union (EU) has decided not to renew its approval of flufenacet due to concerns about its endocrine-disrupting properties for humans and non-target organisms. EU farmers will no longer be able to use products containing the active substance flufenacet.
Actions
As the EU maximum residue levels (MRLs) for flufenacet are likely to be reduced, suppliers of potatoes, barley, and wheat currently using flufenacet on crops for export to the EU should review their current good agricultural practices (GAP) and start to look for alternative solutions.
Competent authorities of non-EU countries that are members of the World Trade Organization may comment on the EU proposal by emailing the EU TBT Enquiry Point until 9 March 2025 (G/TBT/N/EU/1105).
Timeline
Expected date of entry into force: May 2025.
EU producers can use stocks of products containing flufenacet until approximately the end of 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.