French Lawmakers Push for EU-Wide Ban on Acetamiprid to Protect Health and Environment

This move is significant for professionals across the chemicals and agri-food sectors, as acetamiprid is currently the only neonicotinoid still approved for use in the EU. If adopted, the resolution could lead to stricter regulations, new compliance requirements, and increased demand for alternative pest management solutions.

Background: EU restrictions and France’s regulatory clash

Neonicotinoids have been progressively restricted in the EU since 2013, with substances such as clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam banned due to their impact on pollinators. Acetamiprid remains the only authorised neonicotinoid, though its use is tightly regulated. In June 2025, the European Commission updated residue limits for acetamiprid in products such as prunes, linseed, poppy seeds and honey.

In France, the use of neonicotinoids has been banned since 2018 under the Biodiversity Law, though temporary derogations were allowed until 2020. Controversially, new legislation passed in July 2025 attempted to reauthorise the use of acetamiprid under specific conditions. The move prompted widespread public opposition, with over 2 million citizens signing a petition against the law.

France's Constitutional Council upheld the legislation but acknowledged the health and environmental risks posed by the substance.

Health and biodiversity concerns drive policy momentum

Scientific consensus around the dangers of neonicotinoids has strengthened over the last decade. French research institutions, including ANSES, CNRS and INSERM, have linked exposure to increased risks of cancers, nervous system damage, and negative effects on pollinators. Experts also warn of the ‘cocktail effect’ — where acetamiprid’s toxicity increases when combined with other substances like fungicides.

The resolution references multiple studies and institutional opinions highlighting the urgency of banning the substance. It also raises concerns about inconsistencies in global trade, calling for the implementation of “mirror measures” to apply EU pesticide restrictions to imported goods from third countries.

Supporting transition to validated alternatives

The proposal goes beyond a simple ban. It urges the European Commission to:

• Secure qualified majority support among member states to prohibit acetamiprid;
• Launch a broad public consultation on its phase-out;
• Develop a clear roadmap with timelines for adopting mirror environmental and health measures in trade;
• Provide lasting support for farmers adopting scientifically validated alternatives.

France’s health authority, ANSES, has already identified four immediate and 18 medium-term alternatives to neonicotinoids, including organic fertilisation, mulching, and approved insecticides. Yet uptake remains limited without stronger institutional backing.