Updates regarding EU plant protection product approvals

The European Commission (EC) has recently issued notifications of the change of plant protection product (PPPs) approval status within the European Union (UE). Of particular interest is the non-renewal of approval of 2 key PPPs: benalaxyl and fenamiphos.

MRL changes following non-renewal of these active substances

Following non-renewal of EU authorizations and the expiry of all grace periods, the maximum residue levels (MRLs) are generally lowered to the limit of determination (LOD): 0.01 mg/kg. In most cases this will mean that these substances can no longer be used on crops for export to the EU.

Decisions on the new MRLs will be taken at forthcoming meetings of the European Commission Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed.

Considering the extensive use of these 2 substances in ACP horticulture, growers are advised to start looking for alternatives as soon as possible. If you have any major concern about these changes, and fear that you will be left without an effective and available alternative, please contact COLEACP at: network@coleacp.org

Non-renewal of fenamiphos

Fenamiphos is an insecticide and nematicide used to control nematodes and aphids. It is used on a wide range of horticultural crops in ACP countries including: bananas, citrus, pineapples, tomatoes, peppers, aubergine, cucumber, and zucchini.

On September 2 2020, the European Commission published a Regulation withdrawing the approval of fenamiphos by September 23 2020 and the authorization for use in the EU by September 23 2021 (grace period). The MRL will likely be reduced to the LoD, but the date of entry into force of the new MRLs is not yet known. COLEACP will keep you informed as soon as more information becomes available.

Non-renewal of benalaxyl

Benalaxyl is a fungicide used to control oomycetes such as blue mould, late blight and downy mildew. It is used on a wide range of horticultural crops in ACP countries including: onion, potato and tomato.

On September 15 2020, the European Commission published a Regulation withdrawing the approval for benalaxyl by October 6 2020 and the authorization for use in the EU by October 5 2021 (grace period). The MRL will likely be reduced to the LoD, but the date of entry into force of the new MRLs is not yet known. COLEACP will keep you informed as soon as more information becomes available.