France bans the import of certain foodstuffs containing banned pesticides

France has just published an order suspending the import, introduction and placing on the EU market of certain foodstuffs containing quantifiable residues of carbendazim/benomyl, glufosinate, thiophanate-methyl or mancozeb.

These active substances are banned in the EU.

Carbendazim has been banned since 30/11/2014. The MRLs have not been changed since 2012.

Glufosinate has been banned since 31/07/2018. The MRLs have not been changed since 2017.

Thiophanate-methyl has been banned since 19/10/2020. The MRLs have not been changed since 2012.

Mancozeb has been banned since 01/01/2021. The MRLs have not been changed since 2017. Mancozeb belongs to the dithiocarbamate group, and the MRLs set for this group also depend on other molecules. Ziram is still authorised in the EU, which makes the process of lowering MRLs for this group complex.

The matrix/pesticide pairs concerned are as follows:

• For carbendazim/benomyl: grapefruit, oranges, lemons, limes, clementines/mandarins, apples, pears, quinces, medlars, loquats, other pome fruit, apricots, cherries (sweet), peaches, plums, table grapes, wine grapes, mangoes, papayas, tomatoes, aubergines, okra, brussels sprouts, beans (with pods), peas (with pods), cultivated mushrooms, soya beans, barley, oats, rye and wheat.

• For glufosinate: potatoes

• For thiophanate-methyl: grapefruit, oranges, lemons, limes, clementines/mandarins, apples, pears, quinces, medlars, loquats, other pome fruit, apricots, cherries (sweet), peaches, plums, wine grapes, mangoes, papayas, tomatoes, aubergines, okra, melons, pumpkins, watermelons, brussels sprouts, algae and prokaryotic organisms, soya beans, barley, oats, rye and wheat

• For mancozeb: avocados, table grapes, mangoes, papayas, blackcurrants, strawberries, potatoes, peppers, melons, lettuces

The order comes into force on 08/01/2026 for a period of one year (unless appropriate measures are adopted by the EU before then).

Article 3 states that these provisions do not apply to foodstuffs acquired by the importer or the party placing them on the market no later than 1 month after the order comes into force.

Your Phytocontrol laboratory offers analysis of these pesticides under COFRAC accreditation. You can consult our COFRAC technical annex No. 1-1904, available in your customer area or on the COFRAC website.

Need technical, regulatory or pricing information? Our customer service is available from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, on +33 800 900 775 or service-clients@phytocontrol.com.

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