EU: Plant Protection Products Update
The European Commission has published Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2777, concerning the non-renewal of the approval of tritosulfuron. Under this Regulation, Member States must withdraw any authorizations for plant protection products containing tritosulfuron by May 7, 2025, and any grace period granted by Member States must expire by November 7, 2025.
The Commission has also published Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2806, concerning the non-renewal of the approval of metribuzin. Under this Regulation, Member States must withdraw any authorizations for plant protection products containing metribuzin by May 24, 2025, and any grace period granted by Member States must expire by November 24, 2025.
The Commission has changed the approval period of the following active substances:
| Substance | New Expiration Date |
| Azoxystrobin(1) | May 31, 2027 |
| Imazalil(1) | May 31, 2027 |
| Kresoxim-methyl(1) | May 31, 2027 |
| Tefluthrin(1) | May 31, 2027 |
| Oxyfluorfen(1) | May 31, 2027 |
| Terbuthylazine(1) | May 31, 2027 |
| Candida oleophila strain O(1) | May 31, 2027 |
| Paecilomyces fumosoroseus strain FE 9901(1) | May 31, 2027 |
| Chlorantraniliprole(1) | May 31, 2027 |
| Metobromuron(1) | May 31, 2027 |
| Aminopyralidthe(1) | May 31, 2027 |
| Fluroxypyr(1) | February 15, 2027 |
| 8-hydroxyquinoline(1) | December 31, 2025 |
| Fenpyrazamine(2) | January 15, 2025 |
| Flumetralin(2) | January 15, 2025 |
(1) More information
(2) More information
The Commission has published the following new maximum residue levels (MRLs):
| Substance | Commodity | MRL (mg/mg) |
| Thiacloprid(1) | Stone fruits | 0.01 |
| Thiacloprid(1) | Berries and small fruits | 0.01 |
| Thiacloprid(1) | Oilseeds | 0.02 |
(1) This regulation shall apply from May 12, 2025. More information
EU: Commission Publishes Clarification on Application of Official Controls Regulation
Ever since Regulation (EU) 2017/625, also known as the Official Controls Regulation (OCR), entered into force, Member States have repeatedly asked the European Commission to provide clarifications and advice on the practical application of certain OCR provisions.
On November 8, 2024, the European Commission published a Commission Notice on the implementation of the OCR. By compiling the Commission’s views on key provisions, this notice aims to contribute to a harmonized understanding and application of these provisions by Member States’ competent authorities and stakeholders.
Among other topics, the notice outlines the measures that should be taken in the event of illegal entry of consignments into the Union and non-compliance detected before release for free circulation.
Japan: Plant Protection Products Update
Japan has notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of draft maximum residue levels (MRLs) for various substances in or on nuts and dried fruits:
| Substance | Commodity | Draft MRL (ppm) |
| Spirotetramat(1) | Cranberries | 0.2 |
| Spirotetramat(1) | Grapes | 8 |
| Dazomet(2) | Peanuts | 0.05 |
| Metam(2) | Peanuts | 0.05 |
| Methyl isothiocyanate(2) | Peanuts | 0.05 |
(1) Deadline for comment: January 7, 2025. More information
(2) Deadline for comment: January 7, 2025. More information
UK: Consultation on Proposed Guidance on Allergen Information Best Practices
The UK Food Standards Agency is seeking stakeholder feedback regarding proposed guidance on allergen information for food businesses providing non-prepacked food. This guidance is intended to support food businesses such as retailers and caterers —specifically those selling non-prepacked foods, such as coffee shops, cafés, restaurants, delis, and market stalls— in providing allergen information to consumers. The deadline for comment is November 27, 2024.
USA Raises Concerns at WTO About EU Pesticide Policies, Urges Alignment with Codex Standards
The United States has notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its concerns regarding the EU’s approach to reducing MRLs without a full risk assessment or conclusive scientific evidence to justify the established levels. The United States reiterated its request that the EU align with Codex MRLs when the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is unable to finalize a risk assessment. In addition, the United States requested that the mancozeb MRL for walnuts be maintained at the current EU level and that a 36-month transition period be granted to allow for additional information to be considered.
The United States has also notified the WTO of its concerns regarding EU import tolerances for certain pesticides to achieve environmental outcomes in third countries.