EU Extends Approval Periods For Key Pesticides Amid Assessment Delays

The European Commission has published Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2781, extending the approval periods for 13 essential active substances used in plant protection. This decision comes as a response to procedural delays in the risk assessment and renewal process. The affected substances include azoxystrobin, chlorantraniliprole, and aminopyralid, among others.

Approval Periods Extended Amid Ongoing Reviews

The regulation, an amendment to Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011, cites the necessity for additional time to finalise comprehensive risk evaluations. The most common extension is until 31 May 2027, ensuring that assessments are conducted thoroughly and in alignment with EU safety and environmental standards.

Key substances with extended approvals include:

Azoxystrobin: Now approved until 31 May 2027.Aminopyralid: Approval extended to 31 May 2027.Chlorantraniliprole: Extended to 31 May 2027.Imazalil: Now valid until 31 May 2027.Kresoxim-methyl: Approval continues until 31 May 2027.Metobromuron: Extended to 31 May 2027.Oxyfluorfen: Now approved until 31 May 2027.Tefluthrin: Approval period extended to 31 May 2027.Terbuthylazine: Valid until 31 May 2027.Candida oleophila strain O: Approval extended to 31 May 2027.Paecilomyces fumosoroseus strain FE 9901: Extended to 31 May 2027.Fluroxypyr: Now approved until 15 February 2027.8-hydroxyquinoline: Shorter extension, valid until 31 December 2025.

Reasons For Delays And Further Implications

The delays in finalising the risk assessments stem from complex evaluation processes involving multiple Member States and public consultations. For example, fluroxypyr's risk assessment requires extra time for expert consultation and public feedback under Article 12 of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1740.

These extensions safeguard farmers and stakeholders who rely on these substances while maintaining EU’s commitment to rigorous safety and environmental standards.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signed the regulation, emphasising the importance of a transparent process that adequately considers both scientific findings and public interest.

Next Steps

Should the Commission decide not to renew any of the substances following the completion of the risk assessments, the expiration dates may revert to an earlier point, ensuring legal flexibility. Conversely, if the substances are approved for renewal, the earliest practical application date will be set to maintain continuity.