Carbendazim fungicide wins victory in Brazilian Parliament

The ban on the fungicide carbendazim in Brazil was blocked through a favorable decision in the Brazilian Parliament. The Committee on Agriculture, Livestock, Supply and Rural Development of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies approved a legislative decree project (PDL 312/22) that nullifies a resolution (RDC 739/22) against the fungicide carbendazim formulated by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa).

Authored by Representative José Mário Schreiner, legislative decree 312/22 argues that Anvisa's decision was taken "abruptly, without considering the economic and productive impact on the agricultural sector." The project text highlights that carbendazim has been used in Brazil for more than 30 years, with registrations since 1991. It points out that its withdrawal from the market generates negative consequences, such as economic losses and possible environmental liabilities due to inadequate disposal of stored products.

The PDL emphasizes that the active ingredient is widely used in more than 80 countries and states that there is no global scientific consensus justifying its prohibition. Additionally, the document draws attention to the essentiality of carbendazim for disease control in crops such as beans and rice.

According to the text attached to the project, at the time of Anvisa's suspension, the Brazilian market had more than 1.6 million liters of formulated products ready for commercialization and large quantities awaiting import and distribution. The revocation of the ban aims to ensure the continuity of the production chain and avoid increases in food costs.

The PDL's rapporteur, Representative Marussa Boldrin, defended the approval stating that Anvisa's decision was made without robust technical studies and without a detailed analysis of economic impact. She emphasized that interrupting the use of carbendazim could compromise Brazilian agribusiness competitiveness, in addition to causing significant increases in food prices.

"Abruptly suspending the import, production, and commercialization of carbendazim, without an adequate substitution plan, could generate serious disruptions in the agricultural supply chain," stated Boldrin.

She also argued that Law 9,782/99, which created Anvisa, requires that such decisions be based on technical studies of economic impact and solid scientific analyses. The project will still be analyzed by the Social Security and Family Committee and the Constitution, Justice, and Citizenship Committee. Afterward, it proceeds to the plenary of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)