Key takeaway
What This Development Means
The Ctgb will re-evaluate 46 PFAS-based pesticides to address risks from TFA in groundwater. This proactive Dutch response highlights growing regulatory momentum across Europe and potential implications for pesticide availability, groundwater protection, and agricultural resilience.
Why is the Ctgb reassessing PFAS pesticides?<
The Ctgb is responding to evidence that certain PFAS substances break down into TFA, a persistent compound that may contaminate groundwater. The reassessment ensures Dutch products meet national groundwater standards and safeguard long-term water quality.
What are the implications for pesticide users?
Users may face reduced availability of PFAS-based pesticides if they fail to meet updated criteria. The Ctgb has urged the government to assess agricultural impacts and identify alternative products to support continuity in crop protection.
Source basis: Ctgb gaat middelen met PFAS opnieuw beoordelen | College voor de toelating van gewasbeschermingsmiddelen en biociden
The Dutch Board for the Authorisation of Plant Protection Products and Biocides (Ctgb) has announced it will reassess 46 PFAS-containing pesticides currently authorised in the Netherlands.
The interim review follows a Danish study indicating that certain PFAS substances degrade into trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a persistent compound known to accumulate in groundwater.
The decision, made during the Ctgb’s December 2025 meeting, aims to protect groundwater quality and prevent long-term threats to drinking water supplies.
This development significantly affects professionals across the agricultural, regulatory, and environmental sectors who rely on these substances or oversee their use.
PFAS Degradation And National Risk Assessments
The Ctgb evaluated the Danish findings for reliability and relevance in the Dutch context.
Due to differences in national criteria and groundwater modelling, it concluded that specific assessments tailored to the Netherlands are necessary.
Re-evaluations will use national groundwater models and focus on TFA formation from six active substances: fluopyram, fluazinam, diflufenican, mefentrifluconazole, tau-fluvalinate and fluazifop-P-butyl.
The scope includes authorised products and new or pending applications containing these substances.
Drinking Water Implications And Regulatory Urgency
Although current TFA levels in drinking water remain well below acceptable daily intake limits, the substance’s mobility and persistence raise concerns about future concentrations.
TFA does not readily degrade and may increasingly impact groundwater and, by extension, drinking water quality over time.
The Ctgb has opted not to await the slower European re-evaluation processes.
Instead, it aligns with countries such as Norway and Sweden in fast-tracking national reviews, with a goal to complete all decisions by 30 April 2028.
Impact On Agriculture And Policy Recommendations
The Ctgb acknowledges the potential impact of this decision on agricultural stakeholders, particularly if certain pesticides are withdrawn.
It advises the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LVVN) to assess the implications for the farming sector and explore viable alternatives to at-risk products.
All affected applicants and authorisation holders will be informed directly by Ctgb.
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