Since 2024, we have noticed that countries and regions around the world have introduced a series of bans, restrictions, extension of approval periods, or rereview decisions on a variety of pesticide active ingredients. This paper sorts out and classifies the trends of global pesticide restrictions in the first half of 2024, in order to provide reference for pesticide enterprises to formulate coping strategies, and help enterprises to plan and reserve alternative products in advance, so as to maintain competitiveness in the changing market.
Forbidden
(1) Activated ester
In June 2024, the European Union issued Notice (EU) 2024/1696 to withdraw the approval decision for Activated esters of Active substances (Acibenzolar-S-methyl) and update the Approved List of Active Substances (EU) No 540/2011.
In September 2023, the applicant informed the European Commission that because its further research on the endocrine disrupting properties of activated esters had been discontinued and the substance had been self-classified as having reproductive toxicity Category 1B under the EU Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation (CLP), it no longer met the EU approval criteria for pesticide active substances. Member States shall withdraw authorisation for products containing activated esters as active substances by 10 January 2025, and any transition period granted under Article 46 of the EU Pesticide Regulation will expire on 10 July 2025.
(2) The EU will not renew the approval of enoylmorpholine
On 29 April 2024, the European Commission published Regulation (EU) 2024/1207 on the non-renewal of approval for the active substance diformylmorpholine. As the EU has not renewed its approval of DMM as an active ingredient in plant protection products, Member States are required to withdraw fungicide products containing this ingredient, such as Orvego®, Forum® and Forum® Gold, by 20 November 2024. At the same time, each member State has set a deadline for the sale and use of product stocks up to May 20, 2025.
Back on June 23, 2023, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) made it clear in its publicly published risk assessment report that enoylmorpholine poses a significant long-term risk to mammals and is classified as a group 1B reproductive toxicity and is considered a mammalian endocrine system disrupter. In view of this, with the phasing out of the use of enylmorpholine in the European Union, the compound faces the possibility of being completely banned.
(3) The European Union officially banned spermatachlor
On January 3, 2024, the European Commission (EC) issued a formal decision: based on the EU Plant Protection Products PPP REGULATION (EC) No 1107/2009, the active substance spermine metolachlor (S-metolachlor) is no longer approved for the EU register of plant protection products.
Metolachlor was first approved by the European Union in 2005. On February 15, 2023, the French Agency for Health and Safety (ANSES) ordered a ban on some uses of metolachlor and plans to withdraw the authorization for the main uses of plant protection products containing the active substance metolachlor in order to protect groundwater resources. On 24 May 2023, the European Commission submitted to the WTO a communication (draft) on the withdrawal of approval of the active substance spermatalachlor. According to the EU’s notification to the WTO, the previously issued decision to extend the validity period (until November 15, 2024) will be void.
(4) 10 kinds of high-residue pesticides such as carbendazim and acephamidophos are banned in Punjab, India
In March 2024, the Indian state of Punjab announced that it would ban the sale, distribution and use of 10 high-residue pesticides (acephamidophos, thiazone, chlorpyrifos, hexazolol, propiconazole, thiamethoxam, propion, imidacloprid, carbendazim and tricyclozole) and all formulations of these pesticides in the state from 15 July 2024. The 60-day period is aimed at protecting the product quality and foreign export trade of its specialty Basmati rice.
It is reported that the decision is due to concerns that some pesticides in Basmati rice residues exceed the standard. According to the rice Exporters Association of the state, pesticide residues in many fragrant rice samples exceeded the maximum residue limit, which may affect foreign export trade.
(5) Atrazine, nitrosulfamone, tert-butylamine, promethalachlor and flursulfametamide are banned in Myanmar
On January 17, 2024, the Plant Protection Bureau (PPD) of the Ministry of Agriculture of Myanmar issued a notice announcing the elimination of atrazine, mesotrione, Terbuthylazine, S-metolachlor, Five herbicide varieties of Fomesafen have been added to Myanmar’s Banned list, with the ban starting from January 1, 2025.
According to the announcement information, the banned five herbicide varieties, have obtained the relevant certificates of enterprises, can continue to apply for import license approval before June 1, 2024 to PPD, and then no longer receive new import license approval applications, including has been submitted, ongoing registration involving the above varieties.
Purported prohibition
(1) The US Environmental Protection Agency proposes to ban acephate and only retain the use of trees for injection
In May 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a draft Interim decision (PID) on acephate, calling for the elimination of all but one use of the chemical. The EPA noted that this proposal is based on the August 2023 updated draft Human Health Risk Assessment and drinking water assessment, which revealed the potential for significant dietary risks from currently registered uses of acephate in drinking water.
Although the EPA’s proposed Preliminary Determination (PID) for acephate recommended eliminating most of its uses, the insecticide’s use for tree injections was retained. The EPA said the practice does not increase the risk of exposure to drinking water, poses no hazard to workers and, through the labeling change, poses no threat to the environment. EPA emphasized that tree injections allow insecticides to flow through trees and effectively control pests, but only for trees that do not produce fruit for human consumption.
(2) The UK may ban mancozeb
In January 2024, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) proposed to withdraw approval for mancozeb, the active ingredient in fungicides.
Based on a comprehensive review of the latest evidence and data submitted by UPL and Indofil Industries in respect of mancozeb, based on Article 21 of Regulation (EC) 1107/2009 retained by the European Union, HSE has concluded that mancozeb no longer meets the necessary criteria for approval. Specifically regarding endocrine disrupting properties and exposure risks. This conclusion could lead to significant changes in the use of mancozeb in the UK. The approval for mancozeb in the UK expired on 31 January 2024 and the HSE has indicated that this approval may be temporarily extended for three months, subject to confirmation.
Restrict
(1) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency changes to chlorpyrifos policy: Cancellation orders, inventory regulation adjustments, and use restrictions
In June 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently took a number of key steps to address the potential health and environmental risks of the organophosphorus insecticide chlorpyrifos. This includes final cancellation orders for chlorpyrifos products and updates to existing inventory regulations.
Chlorpyrifos was once widely used on a variety of crops, but the EPA withdrew its residue limits in food and animal feed in August 2021 due to its potential health risks. The decision comes in response to a court order to quickly address the use of chlorpyrifos. However, the court’s ruling was overturned by another circuit Court of Appeals in December 2023, resulting in the EPA having to update its policy to reflect the ruling.
in the policy update, Cordihua’s chlorpyrifos product Dursban 50W in Water Soluble Packets faced voluntary cancellation, and despite public comment, the EPA ultimately accepted the cancellation request. India’s Gharda’s chlorpyrifos product also faces use cancellations, but retains specific uses for 11 crops. In addition, Liberty and Winfield’s chlorpyrifos products have been voluntarily cancelled, but the period for sale and distribution of their existing stocks has been extended until 2025.
The EPA is expected to issue proposed rules later this year to further restrict the use of chlorpyrifos, which would significantly reduce its use in the United States.
(2) The EU revised the approval conditions for Metalaxyl, and the limit of related impurities was relaxed
In June 2024, the European Union issued a notice (EU) 2024/1718 amending the approval conditions for Metalaxylin, which relaxed the limits of the relevant impurities, but retained the restriction that was added after the 2020 review – when used for seed treatment, the treatment can only be carried out on seeds subsequently sown in greenhouses. After the update, the approval condition of metalaxyl is: active substance ≥ 920 g/kg. Related impurities 2,6-dimethylphenylamine: max. content: 0.5 g/kg; 4-methoxy-5-methyl-5H-[1,2]oxathiole 2,2 dioxide: max. content: 1 g/kg; 2-[(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-(2-methoxyacetyl)-amino]-propionic acid 1-methoxycarbonyl-ethyl ester: max. content < 10 g/kg
(3) Australia re-examined malathion and imposed more restrictions
In May 2024, the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) released its final decision on the re-review of Malathion insecticides, which will place additional restrictions on them – changing and reaffirming Malathion active ingredient approvals, product registrations and associated labelling approvals, including: Change the active ingredient name from “maldison” to “malathion” to be consistent with the name specified in ISO 1750:1981; Prohibit direct use in water due to risk to aquatic species and eliminate use for mosquito larvae control; Update usage instructions, including usage restrictions, spray drift buffer, withdrawal period, safety instructions, and storage conditions; All products containing malathion must have an expiration date and indicate the corresponding expiration date on the label.
To facilitate the transition, the APVMA will grant a two-year phase-out period, during which Malathion products with the old label can still circulate, but the new label must be used after the expiration.
(4) The United States imposes specific geographic restrictions on the use of chlorpyrifos, diazinphos, and malathion
In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it would set specific geographic limits on the use of the pesticides chlorpyrifos, diazinphos, and malathion to protect federally threatened or endangered species and their critical habitats, among other measures, by changing pesticide labeling requirements and issuing Endangered species protection proclamations.
The notice details application times, dosages, and restrictions on mixing with other pesticides. In particular, the use of chlorpyrifos and diazinphos also adds wind speed limits, while the use of malathion requires buffer zones between application areas and sensitive habitats. These detailed mitigation measures aim at dual protection: ensuring that listed species are protected from harm while also minimizing potential impacts on non-listed species.
(5) Australia reevaluates the insecticide diazinphos, or will tighten the use control
In March 2024, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) issued a proposed decision to re-evaluate the use of the broad-spectrum insecticide diazinphos by reviewing all existing diazinphos active ingredients and related product registration and labelling approvals. The APVMA plans to retain at least one mode of use while removing relevant approvals that do not meet statutory safety, trade or labelling requirements. Additional conditions will also be updated for the remaining active ingredient approvals.
(6) The European Parliament bans imported foodstuffs containing residues of thiacloprid
In January 2024, the European Parliament rejected the European Commission’s proposal to “allow the import of more than 30 products containing residues of the pesticide thiacloprid.” The rejection of the proposal means that the maximum residue limit (MRL) of thiacloprid in imported foods will be maintained at the zero residue level. According to EU regulations, MRL is the maximum allowable pesticide residue level in food or feed, when the EU bans a pesticide, the MRL of the substance on imported products is set at 0.01mg/kg, that is, zero residue of the original drug.
Thiacloprid is a new chlorinated nicotinoid insecticide that can be widely used on many crops to control stinging and chewing mouthparts pests, but because of its impact on bees and other pollinators, it has been gradually restricted in the European Union since 2013.
Lift a ban
(1) Thiamethoxam is again authorized for sale, use, production and import in Brazil
In May 2024, the First Court of the Federal District of Brazil decided to lift restrictions on the sale, use, production or import of thiamethoxam containing agrochemical products in Brazil. The decision reverses a February announcement by Brazil’s Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) restricting the product.
Products containing thiamethoxam may be commercialized and are recommended to be used again according to the instructions on the label. With the new resolution, distributors, cooperatives and retailers are once again authorized to follow the recommendations to commercialize products containing thiamethoxam, and Brazilian farmers can continue to use such products if instructed by technicians to comply with the labels and recommendations.
Continue
(1) Mexico has again postponed its glyphosate ban
In March 2024, the Mexican government announced that the ban on glyphosate-containing herbicides, originally scheduled to be implemented at the end of March, would be delayed until alternatives could be found to sustain its agricultural production.
According to a government statement, the presidential decree of February 2023 extended the deadline for the glyphosate ban until March 31, 2024, subject to the availability of alternatives. “As conditions have not yet been reached to replace glyphosate in agriculture, the interests of national food security must prevail,” the statement said, including other agricultural chemicals that are safe for health and weed control mechanisms that do not involve the use of herbicides.
(2) The US Environmental Protection Agency issued an inventory order to ensure the continued use of wheatstraw products in the channel
In February 2024, the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona revoked permits for BASF, Bayer and Syngenta to spray directly on top of plants for Engenia, XtendiMax and Tavium (over-the-top) use).
To ensure that trade channels are not disrupted, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued an existing stock Order for the 2024 growing season, ensuring the use of trimoxil in the 2024 soybean and cotton growing seasons. The Existing Stock Order states that primovos products already in the possession of distributors, cooperatives and other parties prior to February 6 May be sold and distributed within the established guidelines outlined in the order, including farmers who have purchased primovos prior to February 6, 2024.
(3) The EU extends the approval period for dozens of active substances
On January 19, 2024, the European Commission issued Regulation (EU) No. 2024/324, extending the approval period for 13 active substances, including fluoroamides. According to the regulations, the approval period for refined 2-methyl-4-chloropropionic acid (Mecoprop-P) was extended until May 15, 2025. The approval period for Flutolanil was extended to June 15, 2025. The approval period for Pyraclostrobin was extended to September 15, 2025. The approval period for Mepiquat was extended to 15 October 2025. The approval period for thiazinone (Buprofezin) was extended until December 15, 2025. The approval period for phosphine (Phosphane) has been extended to March 15, 2026. The approval period for Fluazinam was extended to April 15, 2026. The approval period for Fluopyram was extended to June 30, 2026. The approval period for Benzovindiflupyr was extended to August 2, 2026. The approval period for Lambda-cyhalothrin and Metsulfuron-methyl has been extended to August 31, 2026. The approval period for Bromuconazole was extended to April 30, 2027. The approval period for Cyflufenamid has been extended until June 30, 2027.
On April 30, 2024, the European Commission issued Regulation (EU) 2024/1206, extending the approval period for 20 active substances such as Voxuron. According to the regulations, 6-benzyladenine (6-Benzyladenine), dodine (dodine), n-decanol (1-decanol), fluometuron (fluometuron), sintofen (aluminium) sulfate The approval period for sulfate and prosulfuron was extended to July 15, 2026. Chloromequinolinic acid (quinmerac), zinc phosphide, orange oil, cyclosulfonone (tembotrione) and sodium thiosulfate (sodium silver) The approval period for thiosulfate was extended to December 31, 2026. tau-fluvalinate, bupirimate, isoxaben, azadirachtin, lime The approval period for sulphur, tebufenozide, dithianon and hexythiazox has been extended to 31 January 2027.
Reevaluate
(1) US EPA update Malathion rereview Update
In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated its draft human health risk assessment for the insecticide Malathion and found no worrisome human health risks based on available data and the state of the art.
In this re-review of malathion, it was found that (1) the risk mitigation measures for malathion were only effective in greenhouses; ② Malathion has a high risk to birds. Therefore, the European Commission has decided to amend the approval conditions for malathion to limit its use to permanent greenhouses.
(2) Antipour ester passed the EU re-review
In March 2024, the European Commission (EC) issued a formal decision approving the extension of the validity of the active substance trinexapac-ethyl until 30 April 2039. After the re-review, the active substance specification of antiretroester was increased from 940 g/kg to 950 g/kg, and the following two related impurities were added: ethyl(1RS)-3-hydroxy-5-oxocyclohex-3-ene-1-carboxylate (specification ≤3 g/kg).
The European Commission ultimately determined that paracylate met the criteria for approval under the PPP Regulation for Plant protection products in the EU, and concluded that although the rereview of paracylate was based on a limited number of typical uses, this did not limit the possible uses for which its formulation product could be authorised, thus lifting the restriction on its use as a plant growth regulator only in the previous approval.
Post time: Jul-01-2024