Maximum residue levels for diuron
Published by AGRINFO on ; Revised
EU reduces MRLs for diuron to 0.01 mg/kg on most products
Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1783 of 15 September 2023 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 denatonium benzoate, diuron, etoxazole, methomyl and teflubenzuron in or on certain products
Update
The EU previously set the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for diuron at the limit of determination (LOD, the lowest level that can be detected using the most modern and reliable analytical methods). For tree nuts, oilseeds, oil fruits, teas, and products of animal origin, these LODs have now been lowered to 0.01 mg/kg.
Impacted Products
almonds, Brazil nuts, cashew nuts, chestnuts, coconuts, hazelnuts, cobnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nut kernels, pistachios, walnuts, linseeds, peanuts, groundnuts, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, rapeseeds, canola seeds, soyabeans, mustard seeds, cotton seeds, pumpkin seeds, safflower seeds, borage seeds, gold of pleasure seeds, hemp seeds, castor beans, olives, oil palm kernels, oil palm fruits, kapok, teas, muscle, fat, liver, kidney, offal, milk, eggs, honey, amphibians, reptiles
What is changing?
The EU previously set the MRLs for diuron on all products at the LOD (0.01–0.05 mg/kg). For tree nuts, oilseeds, oil fruits, teas, and all products of animal origin, the LODs (and therefore the MRLs) are now reduced to 0.01 mg/kg. The MRLs remain unchanged at 0.02 mg/kg for herbs and 0.05 for coffee beans, cocoa beans, carobs, herbal infusions, and spices.
Why?
Diuron is no longer permitted for use in the EU, so all MRLs are set at the LOD. Where the level of 0.01 mg/kg is too low to be detected by currently available analytical methods, the MRL is 0.02 or 0.05 mg/kg.
Timeline
The new MRLs will apply from 8 April 2024.
Recommended Actions
If diuron is being used in the country of export, exporters of affected tree nuts, oilseeds, oil fruits, teas, and animal products should review whether changes to MRLs could have an impact on their capacity to export compliant products.
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.
Sources
Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1783
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