Triclopyr: non-renewal of EU approval
- Food safety
- Pesticides
Summary
The European Commission has informed the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (WTO TBT) Committee that it does not intend to renew approval of the active substance triclopyr (G/TBT/N/EU/1247). This is due to concerns about risks to “residential children” (children who live near agricultural areas where plant protection products are applied), mammals, and non-target arthropods. EU Member States will have to withdraw authorisations for products containing triclopyr. It is likely that the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for triclopyr will be reduced to the limit of determination (LOD, the lowest level that can be detected using the most modern and reliable analytical methods) in 2027. There will be potential impacts on exporters of citrus fruits, apples, pears, apricots and peaches, kiwi fruits, rice, and products of animal origin.
EU proposes not to renew approval of triclopyr, impacting exporters of some fruits, rice, and animal products – give feedback until 12 December
Draft Commission Implementing Regulation concerning the non-renewal of approval of the active substance triclopyr, 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 informed the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (WTO TBT) Committee that it does not intend to renew approval of the active substance triclopyr (G/TBT/N/EU/1247). This is due to concerns about risks to “residential children” (children who live near agricultural areas where plant protection products are applied), mammals, and non-target arthropods. EU Member States will have to withdraw authorisations for products containing triclopyr. It is likely that the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for triclopyr will be reduced to the limit of determination (LOD, the lowest level that can be detected using the most modern and reliable analytical methods) in 2027. There will be potential impacts on exporters of citrus fruits, apples, pears, apricots and peaches, kiwi fruits, rice, and products of animal origin.
Impacted Products
Oranges, lemons, mandarins, apples, pears, apricots and peaches, kiwi fruits, rice, and products of animal origin.
What is changing?
The European Commission does not intend to renew its approval for the active substance triclopyr. European farmers will no longer be able to use products containing this substance.
Why?
Following an application to renew the approval of triclopyr, the European Food Safety Authority identified concerns about high acute and long-term risk to mammals, a high risk to non-target arthropods, and a risk to “residential children” (EFSA 2024). The European Commission therefore proposes not to renew this substance.
Timeline
The withdrawal of approval for triclopyr is likely to be in the first quarter of 2027. EU Member States will have to withdraw authorisation of products containing triclopyr within the following 6 months.
EU producers will be allowed to use existing stocks of products containing triclopyr until the first quarter of 2028.
It is likely that the European Commission will revise the MRLs for triclopyr in 2027.
What are the major implications for exporting countries?
EU decisions not to renew, or to withdraw, approvals for pesticide active substances primarily affect EU producers.
Where active substances are not reapproved, or are withdrawn or restricted, the European Commission is likely to lower or remove the MRLs, usually setting them at the LOD or default level of 0.01 mg/kg. Νon-EU exporters should be aware of upcoming MRL changes, and may need to adapt agricultural practices for produce exported to the EU. There could be impacts on exporters of several fruits, rice, and products of animal origin.
Recommended Actions
Comments or concerns about potential impacts can be submitted, via the EU TBT Enquiry Point before 12 December 2026.
Suppliers of oranges, lemons, mandarins, apples, pears, apricots and peaches, kiwi fruits, rice, and products of animal origin currently using triclopyr, should review current agricultural practices and seek alternative solutions as the MRLs are likely to change.
Background
This draft Regulation proposes to update the list of active substances approved for use in the EU, established by Regulation 540/2011. This list can be consulted via the EU database of active substances, safeners and synergists.
Resources
EFSA (2024) Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance triclopyr (variant triclopyr-butotyl). EFSA Journal, 22: e8177.
Sources
Draft Commission Implementing Regulation concerning the non-renewal of approval of the active substance triclopyr
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 proposes not to renew approval of triclopyr, impacting exporters of some fruits, rice, and animal products – give feedback until 12 December
Draft Commission Implementing Regulation concerning the non-renewal of approval of the active substance triclopyr
What is changing and why?
The European Commission has informed the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (WTO TBT) Committee that it does not intend to renew approval of the active substance triclopyr (G/TBT/N/EU/1247). This is due to concerns about risks to “residential children” (children who live near agricultural areas where plant protection products are applied), mammals, and non-target arthropods. EU Member States will have to withdraw authorisations for products containing triclopyr. It is likely that the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for triclopyr will be reduced to the limit of determination (LOD, the lowest level that can be detected using the most modern and reliable analytical methods) in 2027. There will be potential impacts on exporters of citrus fruits, apples, pears, apricots and peaches, kiwi fruits, rice, and products of animal origin.
Actions
Comments or concerns about potential impacts can be submitted, via the EU TBT Enquiry Point before 12 December 2026.
Suppliers of oranges, lemons, mandarins, apples, pears, apricots and peaches, kiwi fruits, rice, and products of animal origin currently using triclopyr, should review current agricultural practices and seek alternative solutions as the MRLs are likely to change.
Timeline
The withdrawal of approval for triclopyr is likely to be in the first quarter of 2027. EU Member States will have to withdraw authorisation of products containing triclopyr within the following 6 months.
EU producers will be allowed to use existing stocks of products containing triclopyr until the first quarter of 2028.
It is likely that the European Commission will revise the MRLs for triclopyr in 2027.
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.