The European Commission (EC) has issued several notifications on the change of approval status of certain plant protection products (PPPs) in the European Union, such as the non-renewal of two active substances, benalaxyl and fenamiphos.
Changes to MRLs following non-renewal of these active substances
After non-renewals of EU authorisations and expiry of periods, maximum residue levels (MRLs) are generally reduced to the limit of determination (LOD): 0.1 mg / kg. This will therefore mean that in most cases the substances can no longer be used on crops for export in the EU.
Decisions on the new MRLs will be taken at the next meetings of the European Commission’s Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed.
The non-renewal of fenamiphos
Fenamiphos is an insecticide and nematicide used to control nematodes and aphids. It is used on different crops such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppers, bananas, pineapples, cucumbers, aubergines, courgettes.
On 2 September 2020, the EC published a regulation withdrawing the approval of this substance before 23 September 2020 and the authorisation for its use in the European Union before 23 September 2021.
The MRL is likely to be reduced to the LoD, but the date of entry into force of the new MRLs is not yet known.
Non-renewal of benalaxyl
Benalaxyl is a fungicide used for the control of oomycetes such as blue mould, late blight and downy mildew. It is used on different crops such as potatoes, tomatoes, onions.
On September 15, 2020, the EC published a regulation that withdrew the approval of benalaxyl before October 6, 2020, and the authorization of its use in the European Union before October 5, 2021.
The MRL is likely to be reduced to the LoD, but the date of entry into force of the new MRLs is not yet known.
Image source: “Banderas Europeas en el Berlaymont (Bruselas)” by Amio Cajander. is marked with CC BY-SA 2.0.
