This issue includes the latest changes to EU MRLs for a number of pesticides and other contaminants. We highlight an opportunity to send feedback to the EU by 8 May on proposed changes to food safety criteria for Listeria monocytogenes. See also the February summary from the European Commission of notifications of non-compliances with EU law, including suspected agrifood fraud and pesticide MRLs exceedances.

This new issue details Europe's latest regulatory updates. In March, the EU progressed toward finalizing new packaging rules and due diligence requirements for large companies, integrating human rights and environmental obligations. This issue covers recent trade negotiation updates and forthcoming EU public consultations for influencing regulations. Additionally, the European Food Safety Authority invites data submissions for reviewing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for 10 substances.

This new edition includes significant policy updates, as the EU is proposing for the first time to set maximum permitted levels of nickel in a variety of foods, notified to the WTO, together with proposals on the review of certain food additives, and withdrawal of approval of the pesticide acibenzolar-S-methyl. There are also possibilities to provide feedback into two policy areas: the introduction of stricter rules on plastic food contact materials, and an evaluation of animal health rules.

Recently adopted regulations include changes in the frequency of import controls on certain food plants. There are opportunities to provide feedback to the World Trade Organization on proposals to withdraw feed additives, and on changes to mustard seed allergen labelling. You can also send feedback to the EU on a proposal to amend pesticide MRLs related to radish leaves. AGRINFO UPDATE explains how to send feedback and highlights the deadlines.

This new edition includes some important policy developments concerning the EU’s Sustainable Use [of pesticides] Regulation, new genomic techniques, and a ban on bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials. Also highlighted are several new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations coming into force, and proposed pesticide MRL changes that have been notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

This issue includes the updated public health list of countries that can export animal products to the EU, as well as the latest authorisations of feed additives. Also important to note are several pesticide MRL changes including two new import tolerances, and proposed changes where there is still an opportunity to give feedback to the World Trade Organization on the potential implications for exporting countries.

This edition covers key EU trade policy updates and new regulations on animal welfare, particularly regarding live animal transport conditions. It also discusses proposed changes to permitted levels of mycotoxins in cereals, necessitating increased monitoring and control by exporting countries. Links are provided for commenting on these changes and non-renewal of certain pesticides through the World Trade Organization.

This issue reports on additional EU controls on imports of certain foods from Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Madagascar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Türkiye, and Vietnam due to concerns about potential health risks. The EU’s new Observatory on deforestation and forest degradation provides public access to satellite maps to support operators in demonstrating that commodities are “deforestation free”. And the European Commission has notified the World Trade Organization

This issue reports on additional EU controls on imports of certain foods from the listed countries due to concerns about potential health risks. The EU’s new Observatory on deforestation and forest degradation provides public access to satellite maps to support operators in demonstrating that commodities are “deforestation free”. And the European Commission has notified the World Trade Organization of changes to MRLs on cypermethrin.

The European Parliament’s November meetings resulted in the surprise rejection of the Commission’s proposal for a revised Sustainable Use of Pesticides Regulation, and agreed negotiating positions on two major Green Deal initiatives: the ban of products made with forced labour, and sustainable packaging. The European Commission has notified the World Trade Organization of MRL reductions on widely used pesticides including carbendazil and deltamethrin.

In this issue, we give information on proposed changes that have just been notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO) where there is an opportunity for exporting countries to give feedback. We also highlight the new Regulations coming into force, including MRL changes related to two insecticides – oxamyl and indoxacarb – that are extensively used worldwide on fruit and vegetables.

This issue highlights proposed changes where feedback to the EU and the World Trade Organization (WTO) is currently open. In particular, the public consultation on the effectiveness of current EU Regulations on unfair trading practices is an important opportunity for exporters who sell directly to EU buyers to share their experience and views.

In this issue, we report on the continuation of preferential trade for GSP countries, and the European Parliament’s vision for a new EU protein strategy. We highlight two proposals on food flavourings that are open for comments to the WTO SPS Committee. There are also new Regulations on pesticide MRLs, food additives, organic and animal health controls, and Ukraine import restrictions.

This issue gives an update on the status of significant policies and Regulations being developed under the EU Green Deal and outlines the European Commission’s ambition to revise the EU’s animal welfare rules. It also provides details about new Regulations on composite products, pesticide MRLs, and feed additives.

Of particular importance in this newsletter is the reminder that national authorities must provide information on antimicrobials before November in order for countries to be able to continue exporting livestock and animal products to the EU. We also highlight upcoming opportunities to engage with the EU and give your input on new EU policies and regulations.

In this issue, we highlight new World Trade Organization notifications, indicating where and when exporting countries have an opportunity to comment on proposed changes to MRLs and the use of food additives. There are also new regulations that concern exports of some vegetables and cereals, including plant health rules to manage fall armyworms. Finally, our explanatory document on the EU organic regulations has been updated with links to FAQs recently published by the European Commission.

Of particular note in this issue: the European Commission has published a Frequently Asked Questions document clarifying its recently published Deforestation Regulation. There is an important opportunity for non-EU countries to provide feedback on a proposal to stop the export of pesticides that are not authorised in the EU, and to comment on a proposal to reduce the MRLs for eight active substances including prochloraz, a fungicide widely used on avocados, papayas, cereals and oilseeds.

This week saw the publication of three Regulations that may have significant implications for exporters: on deforestation-free commodities and products, affecting operators in the cattle, cocoa, coffee, soya and wood value chains; reducing MRLs for phosmet, a widely used insecticide, particularly on apples, citrus fruit and peaches; and increasing official controls on a range of products from specific origins.

The most significant developments in this issue include the upcoming reinforcement of requirements for exporters of animal products regarding prohibited antimicrobials; withdrawal of approval of the pesticide ipconazole; and some new novel and traditional foods. There is an opportunity to submit comments to the World Trade Organization on proposed adaptations to some hygiene rules for meat, fish, milk and eggs.

The most significant developments in this issue include proposed new requirements for countries exporting honey to the EU, and updates to EU marketing standards. In each case there is an opportunity to submit comments on the proposals to the WTO.

Commission proposes rules on substantiating and approving environmental claims – EU to put in place stricter specifications for glycerol food additives – EU carries out evaluation of Feed Additives Regulation – EU investigation finds that 46% of honey on the European market is suspected of being adulterated – EU prohibits targeted fishing of southern bluefin tuna by EU vessels – EU has not renewed approval of the active substance oxamyl – and more

EU does not intend to renew approval of the active substance dimoxystrobin – New EU rules to reduce deforestation related to production and import into the EU of cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil and soya – EU lowers maximum levels of arsenic in some types of rice, and fixes new levels in some rice products, infant foods, fruit juices, and salt – EU authorises sale of roasted makhana and dried kenari nuts – and more

Where policies and regulations are still under development, opportunities to provide feedback and influence the process are highlighted. This includes upcoming regulatory changes that have been notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and where there is a 60-day period during which comments or concerns about potential impacts can be submitted via the National SPS notification authority of the country concerned to the EU SPS Enquiry Point.

Where policies and regulations are still under development, there are opportunities to comment and influence the process. For example, the item below on the amended EU rules on food contact materials has been notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Following a notification, there is a 60-day period during which stakeholders can send any comments or concerns about potential impacts to the WTO via the National SPS notification authority of the country concerned.

EU proposes revisions to wine labelling – EU increases official controls on food and feed from certain non-EU countries – Proposed new regulation revising the generalised scheme of tariff preferences (GSP) – The EU’s blue economy strategy explained – Changes notified to World Trade Organization – New Regulations coming into force and application dates