Potential changes to MRLs under EC Regulation 396/2005

Since September 2008, all statutory Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) have been set on an EU-wide basis under Regulation (EC) 396/2005. Proposals to set, modify or delete MRLs in Regulation 396/2005 are under regular consideration. These proposals are normally based on EFSA Opinions and are subject to votes in the EU Standing Committee on Plants Animals Food and Feed (Residues section). Proposals for lowered MRLs are notified to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) following the first discussionto allow third countries to raise any points of difficulty. Once all concerns have been addressed a formal vote is taken by the Committee, after which the proposal is adopted, provided the necessary majority of member states is secured and following scrutiny by the European Parliament and Council.

We welcome any comments on these proposals. If possible, please submit these well in advance of discussions in the Standing Committee to Russell Wedgbury ( ).

The next Standing Committee meeting is scheduled for 2122 September 2017.

Actives / Possible applicable date / SANCO Proposal/Draft Regulation / Further details
chlorate / To be discussed at the June 2017 Standing Committee. / Sante 10684/2014

/ Working document of potential MRLs to be set for chlorate.
Enters into force 20 days following publication in the Official Journal.
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain FZB24
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain MB1 600
clayed charcoal cyclaniliprole
dichlorprop
ethephon
etradiazole
flonicamid
fluazifop P
hydrogen peroxide, metaldehyde, penconazole, spinetoram
tau-fluvalinate
urtica spp. / Publication of implementing Regulation expected in September/October 2017. / Sante10656/2017


/ Proposal voted through at the June 2017 Standing Committee.
Voted proposal includes revised MRLs to cover new uses, the setting of assessed LOD MRLs for an active not approved in the EU (cyclaniliprole) and proposals for a number of actives to be placed on Annex IV (substances for which MRLs do not apply).
Enters into force and applies 20 days following publication in the Official Journal.
penoxsulam
triflumizole
triflumuron / To be discussed at the September 2017 Standing Committee / Sante10633/2017 / Proposal will include MRLs reviewed under Article 12 of Regulation 396/2005.
Proposal yet to be confirmed, but expectation is that it will enter in to force 20 days following publication of the Official Journal and apply 6 months later.
chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl triclopyr. / To be discussed/possibly voted at the September 2017 Standing Committee / Sante10304/2017


/ Proposal includes MRLs reviewed under Article 12 of Regulation 396/2005.
Enters in to force 20 days following publication of the Official Journal and shall apply 6 months later.
2-phenylphenol bensulfuron-methyl dimethachlor
lufenuron / To be discussed/possibly voted at the September 2017 Standing Committee / Sante 10094/2016


/ Proposalincludes MRLs reviewed under Article 12 of Regulation 396/2005.
Enters in to force 20 days following publication of the Official Journal and shall apply 6 months later.

Contact: Russell Wedgbury: e-mail

A list of published Commission Regulations is available on our Published Regulations page.

Further Information

General Guidance Concerning MRLs