Withdrawal of extended approval period for penflufen

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1447 of 12 July 2023 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011 as regards the approval periods of the active substances Bacillus pumilus QST 2808 and penflufen

Update

The European Commission has withdrawn its extension of the approval period for the active substance penflufen. No application was made to renew its approval.

The approval period for penflufen is therefore set to expire on 31 January 2024. From that date, penflufen can no longer be used in EU Member States. This decision should have no impact on exports.

What is changing?

The Commission has withdrawn the extension of the approval period previously granted for penflufen. The expiry date is changing back from 31 May 2025 to 31 January 2024.

Why?

The approval period of the active substance penflufen was extended from 31 January 2024 until 31 May 2025 to allow a review to be completed before the expiry date. However, as no application for renewal has been submitted, no review will take place and the extension period has been withdrawn.

Timeline

This Regulation will enter into force on 2 August 2023. No use of penflufen in the EU will be permitted after 31 January 2024.

What are the major implications for exporting countries?

Maximum residue levels (MRLs) for penflufen 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 penflufen, provided residues do not exceed the existing MRLs (0.01–0.05 mg/kg).

Background

This Regulation updates 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. For further information on other recent withdrawals, see Latest pesticide non-renewals, withdrawals and restrictions.

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