Important information regarding use of Imazalil and Fipronil

A change in the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for imazalil and fipronil on several crops will enter into force in the coming weeks. The lower MRLs mean that they can no longer be used on these crops when the produce is being exported to the EU. Note that it does not affect their use on crops destined for the domestic or regional market in countries where they are registered for use by the national authorities; MRLs in ACP countries are generally set according to internationally agreed standards (CODEX).

This news provides information for ACP producers who are using these plant protection products on crops for export to Europe. It is important to be aware of the changes, and to make any necessary adjustments to production (using alternative control methods) in good time to ensure compliance with EU regulations.

On September 25 2019, the European Commission published a regulation setting new MRLs for imazalil. This change enters into force on 16 April 2020.

Transitional measures are in place allowing the old MRLs to apply to products that were imported into the Union before 16 April 2020, except in the case of grapefruit, oranges, apples, pears, medlar, bananas, and potatoes. For these crops, the new MRL is applicable from 16 April.

Imazalil is a fungicide used to control a wide range of diseases on fruit, vegetables and ornamentals. It is widely used in ACP countries and is of particular importance for the management of post-harvest diseases such as crown rot in banana.

The table below lists the MRL changes that have been identified by COLEACP as most critical for ACP countries. The full list of changes can be seen in the new EU Regulation.

In banana, for example, the new MRL is set at the limit of determination (LOD – 0.01 mg/kg). This means that it will no longer be possible to use imazalil for post-harvest treatments on banana destinated for the EU-market.

Operators in ACP countries that use imazalil on these export crops must take note of the changes, and ensure that they use alternative control methods. If you require additional information, or face particular problems as a result of these changes, please contact COLEACP at: network@coleacp.org (link sends e-mail).

Table 1.  EU MRL changes for imazalil affecting key ACP export crops, coming into force on 16 April 2020

*Limit of determination (LOD)

The approval in the EU of the active substance fipronil expired on 30 September 2017. As a result, all EU MRLs for fipronil will automatically be set at the limit of determination (LOD)  0.005 mg/kg. This change will enter into force on 18 May 2020.

Fipronil is an insecticide used to control a broad range of insect pests in horticultural crops.

The table below lists the MRL changes that have been identified by COLEACP as most critical for ACP countries. The full list of changes can be seen in the new EU Regulation.

Operators in ACP countries that use fipronil on these export crops must take note of the change, and ensure that they adopt alternative control methods in good time before the new MRLs come into force. If you require additional information or face particular problems as a result of this change, please contact COLEACP at: network@coleacp.org (link sends e-mail).

Table 2.  EU MRL changes for fipronil affecting key ACP export crops, coming into force on 18 May 2020

*Limit of determination (LOD)