Benfluralin, benthiavalicarb and penflufen no longer approved: Regulation (EU) 2026/147 lowers MRLs to the limits of quantification — 0.01 mg/kg in most products, 0.05 mg/kg in tea, spices and honey, among others — from 12 August 2026
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/147 of 22 January 2026, published on 23 January, deletes the MRLs for benfluralin, benthiavalicarb and penflufen from Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 and sets them at the limits of quantification in Annex V. The approvals of these substances have expired, authorisations for plant protection products have been withdrawn, and there are no Codex MRLs or import tolerances.
- The approval of benfluralin expired on 12 February 2023 (not renewed by Regulation 2023/149), that of benthiavalicarb on 13 December 2023 (Regulation 2023/2657) and that of penflufen on 31 January 2024, with no renewal application. According to Regulation 2023/2657, EFSA identified a carcinogenic potential of benthiavalicarb (ECHA proposed category 1B) and endocrine-disrupting properties; Poland was the rapporteur Member State.
- The Commission consulted the EU reference laboratories for pesticide residues, which proposed analytically achievable limits of quantification. In the new Annex V they are 0.01 mg/kg for fruit, vegetables (herbs and edible flowers 0.02 mg/kg), cereals, oilseeds, sugar plants and animal products, and 0.05 mg/kg for tea, coffee, herbal infusions, cocoa, hops, spices and honey.
- A new enforcement residue definition was set for benthiavalicarb: the sum of benthiavalicarb-isopropyl (KIF-230 R-L) and its enantiomer (KIF-230 S-D) — laboratories must take it into account in reporting.
- The Regulation applies from 12 August 2026; products produced in or imported into the Union before then remain subject to the previous rules. The new MRLs were consulted with trading partners through the World Trade Organization.
Source: Rozporządzenie Komisji (UE) 2026/147 — NDP benfluralinu, bentiowalikarbu i penflufenu