Maximum residue limits for azocyclotin and cyhexatin
- Food safety
- Pesticide MRLs
Summary
The European Union (EU) is discussing reducing the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for azocyclotin and cyhexatin (sum of azocyclotin and cyhexatin expressed as cyhexatin) to the limit of determination (LOD) of 0.01 mg/kg on apples, oranges, and wine grapes. (The LOD is the lowest level that can be detected using the most modern and reliable analytical methods.) A reduction in current LODs on bulb vegetables is also proposed.
EU discusses reduction of azocyclotin and cyhexatin MRLs on apples, oranges, and grapes to 0.01 mg/kg
Draft Commission Regulation amending Annexes II, III and V to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for azocyclotin, chlorfenapyr, cyhexatin, diazinon, dicofol, endosulfan, fenarimol, fenpropathrin and profenofos in or on certain products
Draft Annex
Update
The European Union (EU) is discussing reducing the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for azocyclotin and cyhexatin (sum of azocyclotin and cyhexatin expressed as cyhexatin) to the limit of determination (LOD) of 0.01 mg/kg on apples, oranges, and wine grapes. (The LOD is the lowest level that can be detected using the most modern and reliable analytical methods.) A reduction in current LODs on bulb vegetables is also proposed.
Impacted Products
Oranges, apples, wine grapes, garlic, onions, shallots, spring onions/green onions, Welsh onions
What is changing?
The EU is discussing the reduction of MRLs for azocyclotin and cyhexatin on apples, oranges, and wine grapes. Lower LODs on bulb vegetables are also proposed.
The proposed changes are summarised in Table 1.
Why?
The use of azocyclotin and cyhexatin has never been approved for use within the EU, and the MRLs for imported produce that have been in place since the adoption of Regulation 396/2005 have never been reviewed. Following a series of evaluations and a stakeholder consultation (see EFSA invites submission of data to support review of certain MRLs), the European Food Safety Authority was not able to complete a risk assessment as it could not establish toxicological reference values (EFSA 2023).
Timeline
This Regulation is still under discussion. It is expected to be adopted in 2026, with new MRLs applying from late 2026 or early 2027.
Recommended Actions
Suppliers of apples, oranges, and grapes to the EU market should review their existing use of azocyclotin and cyhexatin, and start to seek alternative (chemical or non-chemical) solutions in anticipation of the MRL reductions.
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.
For further information on the EU’s process and principles for setting MRLs, see Regulation of pesticide residues in the EU - Questions and Answers.
Resources
EFSA (2023) Targeted review of maximum residue levels (MRLs) for azocyclotin and cyhexatin. EFSA Journal, 21(6): 8038.
Sources
Draft Commission Regulation as regards maximum residue levels for azocyclotin, chlorfenapyr, cyhexatin, diazinon, dicofol, endosulfan, fenarimol, fenpropathrin and profenofos in or on certain products
Draft Annex
Tables & Figures
Source: based on PLAN/2025/1425 Rev0
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.
EU discusses reduction of azocyclotin and cyhexatin MRLs on apples, oranges, and grapes to 0.01 mg/kg
Draft Commission Regulation as regards maximum residue levels for azocyclotin, chlorfenapyr, cyhexatin, diazinon, dicofol, endosulfan, fenarimol, fenpropathrin and profenofos in or on certain products
Draft Annex
What is changing and why?
The European Union (EU) is discussing the reduction of azocyclotin and cyhexatin maximum residue levels (MRLs) on apples, oranges, grapes, and bulb vegetables to 0.01 mg/kg (see Table 1). This is because the European Food Safety Authority was unable to complete a risk assessment of these pesticides due to a lack of relevant data. These pesticides have never been approved for use within the EU.
Actions
Suppliers of apples, oranges, and grapes to the EU market should review their existing use of azocyclotin and cyhexatin, and start to identify alternative pesticides.
Timeline
This Regulation is still under discussion. It is expected to be adopted in 2026, with new MRLs applying from late 2026 or early 2027.
Tables & Figures
Source: based on PLAN/2025/1425 Rev0
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.