Brexit: GB and EU MRLs diverge

As reported in earlier COLEACP Flash Info emails, following the UK’s departure from the European Union the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for Great Britain (GB) have followed a different review process since January 2021.

The UK competent authority has recently reviewed 48 active substances to determine some Codex MRLs that could be adopted as GB MRLs.

It is likely that in future EU and GB MRLs will increasingly diverge:

• EU MRLs can be seen via the EU Pesticides database
• GB MRLs can be seen via the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Maximum Residue Level Search.

Note that EU MRLs still apply in Northern Ireland. Great Britain is the mainland comprising England, Scotland and Wales.

Details on the GB MRL-setting and review processes are provided on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website under MRLs and import tolerances.

COLEACP’s regulation monitoring now covers both EU and GB MRL changes, enabling us to keep members and partner-beneficiaries up to date.

Look out for our regular Flash Info MRL updates. You can regularly check the list of new and changed MRLs available at www.hse.gov.uk/pesticides/mrls/new-mrls.htm: scroll down to “New and raised MRLs” and download the Excel file.

If you need additional information, or face particular problems as a result of these changes, please contact COLEACP at: network@coleacp.org.

This activity is supported by the Fit For Market SPS programme, implemented by COLEACP within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union.