EU bans pesticide active ingredient dimoxystrobin

The European Commission has decided not to renew the approval of the pesticide active ingredient dimoxystrobin. The non-renewal is based on concerns over the potential for toxic metabolites of dimoxystrobin to contaminate groundwater.

The Commission Implementing Regulation states that authorization for pesticide products containing dimoxystrobin must be withdrawn by EU member states by January 31, 2024.

Additionally, any grace period granted by member states for using up existing stocks should expire by July 31, 2024. After this date, dimoxystrobin products can no longer be used in the EU.

The initial approval period for dimoxystrobin was set to expire on January 31, 2024. However, due to the non-renewal decision, the substance will now be phased out six months earlier.

The non-renewal is based on an assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) which identified a high risk of groundwater contamination by toxic dimoxystrobin metabolites across all geoclimatic conditions.

The Commission concluded that dimoxystrobin no longer meets the criteria for approval under EU pesticide regulations.

Dimoxystrobin is a fungicide used primarily in cereals, vines and potatoes. The non-renewal will require farmers to transition to alternative pest management strategies or replacement products in coming growing seasons.

Pesticide manufacturers may submit an application for re-approval of dimoxystrobin in the future. However, they would need to provide evidence that the risks identified by EFSA have been addressed.

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