France pesticide residue import ban blocks foods treated with five EU-banned substances

Which substances are covered and why

The French government says the ban targets one herbicide, glufosinate, and four fungicides: mancozeb, thiophanate methyl, carbendazim and benomyl. In December 2025, the Minister of Agriculture asked the European Commission to lower maximum residue limits for several prohibited plant protection substances to the lowest measurable level, citing documented risky uses and a need to protect public health.

Ministers also framed the decision as an issue of coherence and fairness, arguing that producers in the EU should not face tighter use restrictions while competing with imported goods treated with substances banned for EU use.

Products affected: fruits, vegetables and cereals

The order covers specified foodstuffs where residues of the five substances may occur at levels considered too high. The annex lists multiple fruits, vegetables and cereals, in raw or processed form.

Examples include citrus (grapefruit, oranges, lemons, limes and clementines), apples and pears, stone fruit such as apricots, cherries, peaches and plums, table and wine grapes, tomatoes and aubergines, okra and Brussels sprouts, potatoes, soybeans, and cereals including wheat, rye, oats and barley. Some commodities appear against multiple substances, reflecting differing use patterns and residue risks.

What supply chain teams should do now

The France pesticide residue import ban places the onus on operators involved in importing, processing and marketing to ensure covered products do not contain residues of the targeted substances, under oversight from the Ministry of Agriculture. The government also plans inspections, sampling and reinforced checks for other products outside the emergency list to verify compliance with existing residue limits.

For businesses, the immediate priority is supply chain visibility: identify exposed commodities and origins, tighten supplier specifications, and confirm residue testing and release processes can demonstrate compliance before goods are offered for sale in France.

EU next steps

France says it will present the measure to the European Commission and Member States at the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed on 20 January. The Commission could choose to extend the approach at EU level by reducing maximum residue limits for the five substances, which would directly affect market access for treated produce across Europe.

Summary

France’s safeguard action suspends imports and market placement for foods containing residues of five EU-banned pesticide actives, with a focus on widely traded fruits, vegetables and cereals. The decision signals tougher expectations on residue compliance at the border and in retail supply chains, while raising the prospect of wider EU action on maximum residue limits.