S-metolachlor: Non renewal of EU approval
- Pesticides
Summary
The European Commission has decided not to renew approval of the active substance S-metolachlor. This is due to concerns about contamination of groundwater and risks to mammals. This will oblige EU Member States to ban the use of products containing S-metolachlor. This decision should have no immediate impact on products exported from non-EU countries.
EU decides not to renew approval of the active substance S-metolachlor
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/20 of 12 December 2023 concerning the non-renewal of the approval of the active substance S-metolachlor, 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 S-metolachlor. This is due to concerns about contamination of groundwater and risks to mammals. This will oblige EU Member States to ban the use of products containing S-metolachlor. This decision should have no immediate impact on products exported from non-EU countries.
Impacted Products
All products treated with S-metolachlor
What is changing?
The European Commission has decided not to renew its approval for the active substance S-metolachlor. EU farmers will no longer be able to use products containing this active substance.
Why?
Following an application for the renewal of approval of S-metolachlor, EFSA (2023) identified concerns regarding mammalian health and groundwater contamination. The necessary approval criteria were not satisfied, and renewal was not granted.
Timeline
This Regulation entered into force on 23 January 2024.
EU producers will be permitted to use stocks of products containing S-metolachlor until 23 July 2024.
Recommended Actions
Maximum residue limits (MRLs) for S-metolachlor are already set at the limit of determination (LOD – the lowest level that can be detected using the most modern and reliable analytical methods). Suppliers exporting to the EU may continue to use S-metolachlor provided residues do not exceed existing MRLs (0.01–0.05 mg/kg).
Background
For further information on recent non-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 S-metolachlor excluding the assessment of the endocrine disrupting properties. EFSA Journal, 21(2): 7852.
Sources
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/20 concerning the non-renewal of the approval of the active substance S-metolachlor
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EU decides not to renew approval of the active substance S-metolachlor
Regulation
Regulation (EU) 2024/20 concerning the non-renewal of the approval of the active substance S-metolachlor
What is changing and why?
Due to concerns about the health of animals and water contamination, the EU has decided not to renew its approval for the use of S-metolachlor in EU Member States.
Actions
EU maximum residue limits (MRLs) for S-metolachlor are currently already set at low levels (0.01–0.05 mg/kg). Suppliers exporting to the EU may continue to use S-metolachlor provided residues do not exceed existing MRLs (0.01–0.05 mg/kg).
Timeline
EU producers may be permitted to use stocks of products containing S-metolachlor until 23 July 2024.
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.