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HSE Pesticides ebulletin

Issued: 22 February 2024

This ebulletin includes information on the Plant Protection Products (PPP) regulations in Northern Ireland (NI).

NI PPP authorisations affected by EU MRL amendments

Under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement and NI Protocol, PPP authorisations in NI must comply with the relevant EU MRLs (maximum residue levels).

The EU MRL review programme can result in EU MRLs being lowered and PPPs authorised in NI may be affected.

Find out the status of ongoing and upcoming EU MRL reviews.

Future EU MRL amendments: publication expected mid 2024

In December 2023, the EU SCoPAFF (Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed) agreed to changes to EU MRLs for a number of active substances under Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.

If these pass scrutiny by the European Parliament and Council we can expect the publication of EU implementing Regulations for the revised MRLs in the next 4-6 months. The MRLs are likely to come into force six months following publication i.e. by late 2024/early 2025.

It is expected that EU MRLs will be amended for the following active substance:  

2,4-DB (4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) butyric acid)

Find out which commodities are affected by searching for the active substance in the EU MRL database. The related changes will shortly appear in the “not yet applicable” column.

The list above does not include EU MRLs resulting from applications to raise EU MRLs, e.g. to support new PPP uses, or proposals to list active substances on Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 (actives not subject to MRLs).

What HSE will do

There are no NI authorisations for 2,4-DB on any crop; no amendment or withdrawal action is required as a result of the new EU MRLs for 2,4-DB.

What NI PPP authorisation holders are advised to do

As there are no NI authorisations, no specific action is advised in respect of 2,4-DB containing products.

Authorisation holders should review the European Food Safety Authority’s reasoned opinions which identify data/information that is unavailable but is required to retain MRLs following EU MRL reviews.

These appear as footnotes in the EU MRL database and authorisation holders wishing to retain EU MRLs should submit the data/information by the deadline in an application to an EU Member State.

Find guidance on submitting data to confirm EU MRLs

Please contact us if you have any concerns.