Maximum residue levels for deltamethrin
Published by AGRINFO on ; Revised
EU amends MRLs for deltamethrin with impacts on fruits, vegetables, oilseeds, and spices
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1342 of 21 May 2024 amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for deltamethrin, metalaxyl, thiabendazole and trifloxystrobin in or on certain products
Corrigendum to Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1342 of 21 May 2024 amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for deltamethrin, metalaxyl, thiabendazole and trifloxystrobin in or on certain products
Update
The European Commission has decided to amend the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for deltamethrin on a wide range of products. For kiwi fruits, potatoes, cabbages, escaroles, globe artichokes, beans, oilseeds, and spices, the MRL is reduced to the limit of determination (LOD) of 0.01–0.05 mg/kg. (The LOD is the lowest level that can be detected using the most modern and reliable analytical methods.)
Impacted Products
Citrus fruits, grapefruits, oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins, tree nuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashew nuts, chestnuts, coconuts, hazelnuts/ cobnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nut kernels, pistachios, walnuts, pears, plums, blackberries, dewberries, raspberries, kiwi fruits, mangoes, papayas, potatoes, tomatoes, sweet peppers/ bell peppers, okra/ lady’s fingers, melons, watermelons, head cabbages, lettuces, escaroles/ broad-leaved endives, witloofs/ Belgian endives, chives, celery leaves, parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, basil and edible flowers, laurel/ bay leaves, tarragon, globe artichokes, beans, oilseeds, linseeds, peanuts/ groundnuts, sesame seeds, cotton seeds, pumpkin seeds, safflower seeds, poppy seeds, borage seeds, hemp seeds, castor beans, sunflower seeds, mustard seeds, gold of pleasure seeds, oil palms kernels, oil palms fruits, kapok, chamomile, hibiscus, rose, jasmine, lime/ linden, strawberry, rooibos, maté, cocoa beans, carobs, hops, spices, anise, black caraway/ black cumin, celery, coriander, cumin, dill, fennel, fenugreek, nutmeg, cinnamon, mace, allspice/ pimento, Sichuan pepper, caraway, cardamom, juniper berry, peppercorn, vanilla, tamarind, cloves, capers, saffron, sugar beetroots
What is changing?
The European Commission has lowered the MRLs for deltamethrin to the LOD of 0.01–0.05 mg/kg on kiwi fruits, potatoes, cabbages, escaroles, globe artichokes, oilseeds, and spices. It has also amended the MRLs for other products as summarised in Table 1.
Why?
The European Food Safety Authority assessed deltamethrin MRLs for various products based on available information (EFSA 2020, 2022a, 2022b, 2022c). For products where complete information was provided, EFSA recommended maintaining the existing MRLs.
For products where data gaps were not addressed, and for products with identified risks, EFSA suggested setting new, lower MRLs.
EFSA recommended new, higher MRLs for mangoes and papayas to prevent trade barriers, based on data submitted by the applicants.
Timeline
The new MRLs will apply from 11 December 2024. Products (except pears, potatoes, and lettuces) exported before 11 December 2024 that comply with the old MRLs will not be removed from the EU market after that date, even if they do not comply with the new MRLs.
Recommended Actions
Exporters of kiwi fruits, potatoes, cabbages, escaroles, globe artichokes, beans, oilseeds, and spices should review their current use of deltamethrin and look for possible alternative solutions or applications for further import tolerances.
Exporters of other affected products should assess whether current agricultural practices can comply with the proposed reduced MRLs.
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
EFSA (2020) Modification of the existing maximum residue level for deltamethrin in carobs/Saint John's breads. EFSA Journal 18(10): 6271.
EFSA (2022a) Evaluation of confirmatory data following the Article 12 MRL review and modification of the existing maximum residue levels for deltamethrin in tomatoes and okra/lady’s fingers. EFSA Journal 20(3): 7107.
EFSA (2022b) Setting of import tolerances for deltamethrin in mangoes and papayas EFSA Journal 20(3): 7198.
EFSA (2022c) Modification of the existing maximum residue level for deltamethrin in maize/corn. EFSA Journal 20(7): 7446.
Sources
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1342 as regards maximum residue levels for deltamethrin, metalaxyl, thiabendazole and trifloxystrobin in or on certain products
Tables & Figures
![AG00342_Table 1_30_11_23](/media/images/AG00342_Table_1_30_11_23.original.jpg)
Source: based on Regulation 2024/1342