Issue 16 of AGRINFO UPDATE Highlights:

The European Parliament unexpectedly rejected the Commission's proposal for a revised Sustainable Use of Pesticides Regulation.

Agreed negotiating positions on two major Green Deal initiatives: a ban on products made with forced labor and sustainable packaging.

The European Commission has informed the World Trade Organization about reductions in Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for commonly 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.

Welcome to Issue 12 of AGRINFO UPDATE.

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.

Only one AGRINFO Update has been issued in August, a time when activities tend to slow down during the European holiday period. 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.

Find links below to our website at agrinfo.eu, where we give clear summaries about recent and upcoming changes, and actions that companies or authorities need to take to meet the new rules. 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.

Find links below to our website, where we give clear summaries about recent and upcoming changes, and actions that companies or authorities need to take to meet the new rules. If you need more information, contact us via the Ask AGRINFO service (available to subscribers working for public authorities, sector associations or farmer organisations in AGRINFO target countries.

Find links below to our database, where we give clear summaries about recent and upcoming changes, and actions that companies or authorities need to take to meet the new rules. If you need more information, contact us via the Ask AGRINFO service (available to subscribers working for public authorities, sector associations or farmer organisations in AGRINFO target countries.

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