EU restricts metalaxyl-M use in seed treatment

The draft Commission Implementing Regulation provides that the approval of the active substance metalaxyl-M is renewed in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, subject to certain restrictions including to the use of seeds treated with product containing metalaxyl-M. Use as seed treatment is permitted, however, treated seeds shall only be sown in greenhouses. Other uses e.g. foliar spraying can still be authorised by EU Member States. Existing authorised plant protection products containing metalaxyl-M will be reviewed in accordance with the proposed restrictions. The renewal of approval is based on the first evaluation of the substance for use as a pesticide active substance in the EU under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. The substance was formerly approved under Directive 91/414/ EEC. This decision only concerns the placing on the market and use of metalaxyl-M and plant protection products containing it. The decision does not affect existing Maximum Reside Levels (MRLs).