Major EU Plant Protection Regulation Updates in May 2025: What Farmers and Buyers Need to Know
The European Union and United Kingdom have introduced sweeping updates to plant protection regulations and crop variety approvals in May 2025, reshaping the landscape for farmers, exporters, and buyers across Europe. Driven by public health, environmental safety, and sustainability goals, these changes impact everything from pesticide residue limits to the approval status of key agrochemicals and the adoption of innovative, disease-resistant crop varieties. Understanding these regulatory shifts is essential for anyone involved in the agri-food supply chain, as compliance, market access, and future competitiveness all hinge on adapting to the latest standards and opportunities.
New MRLs announced
Thiacloprid: MRLs Lowered to the Limit of Determination
What is Thiacloprid?
Thiacloprid is a systemic neonicotinoid insecticide used to control a broad range of sucking insects such as aphids, whiteflies, and certain beetles. It acts as an antagonist to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in insects’ nervous systems, causing paralysis and death. It has been widely used on crops like cotton, pome fruits (apples, pears), stone fruits, and various vegetables.
Regulatory Update: From 12 May 2025, the EU has set the MRLs for thiacloprid to the limit of determination (LOD) for all products, effectively 0.01 mg/kg—the lowest level detectable with current analytical methods.
Existing MRLs: Varied by crop (e.g., 0.3 mg/kg for apples, 0.02 mg/kg for tomatoes).
New MRLs (from 12 May 2025):
- All crops: 0.01 mg/kg (limit of determination, LOD).
- Exceptions: Temporary import tolerances for cucumber, courgette, rapeseed, canola seeds, and mustard seeds until EFSA completes endocrine disruption assessment
This follows the non-renewal of thiacloprid’s approval due to concerns about toxicity and potential endocrine-disrupting effects.
Crops Impacted:
- All agricultural products, with only a few exceptions (cucumber, courgette, rapeseed, canola seeds, mustard seeds) where existing import tolerances or Codex MRLs may temporarily apply.
Instructions for Farmers and Exporters:
- Immediately cease use of thiacloprid for crops destined for the EU market.
- Review and adapt Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to identify alternative pest control measures.
- Test produce for thiacloprid residues to ensure compliance with the new LOD; non-compliant shipments risk border rejection or destruction.
Zoxamide, Acetamiprid, Penconazole: New MRLs from August 2025
Zoxamide
What is Zoxamide?
Zoxamide is a fungicide belonging to the benzamide class, specifically targeting oomycete fungi. It is used to control diseases such as early and late blight in potatoes and downy mildew in grapes. Zoxamide works by inhibiting the development of fungal cell walls, providing both preventative and curative action.
Regulatory Update:
From 19 August 2025, the EU will lower MRLs for zoxamide to product-specific LODs for most products.
Existing MRLs: Varied by crop (e.g., 0.05 mg/kg for leafy vegetables, 0.3 mg/kg for grapes).
New MRLs (from 19 August 2025):
- Leaf vegetables, herbs, edible flowers: 0.01 mg/kg (LOD).
- Cucurbits (cucumbers, melons, pumpkins): Maintained at existing levels (e.g., 0.3 mg/kg).
- Onions, garlic, potatoes, tomatoes, aubergines, honey: Set at safe levels based on EFSA review (e.g., 0.05–0.3 mg/kg)
Instructions:
- Stop using zoxamide on crops for export to the EU unless specifically authorized.
- Consult product-specific LODs and adjust application schedules accordingly.
Acetamiprid
What is Acetamiprid?
Acetamiprid is a systemic neonicotinoid insecticide effective against a variety of sucking pests, including aphids, whiteflies, leafhoppers, and thrips. It acts on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in insects, causing paralysis and death. Acetamiprid is used on cotton, vegetables, fruit trees, soybeans, and cereals.
Regulatory Update:
MRLs for acetamiprid will be significantly reduced from 19 August 2025, with the most drastic reductions (to LOD) for bananas, currants, asparagus, lettuces, escaroles, chards, and spinach.
Existing MRLs: Varied widely (e.g., 0.5 mg/kg for apples, 2 mg/kg for bananas).
New MRLs (from 19 August 2025):
- Bananas, currants, asparagus, lettuces, escaroles, chards, spinach: 0.01 mg/kg (LOD).
- Other crops (apples, pears, tomatoes, peppers): Reduced but above LOD (e.g., 0.2–0.5 mg/kg)
Find more information in our article: Lower Acetamiprid MRLs in Key Crops - New EU Regulation.
Penconazole
What is Penconazole?
Penconazole is a systemic triazole fungicide used primarily to control powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot diseases. It works by inhibiting ergosterol biosynthesis in fungal cell membranes, disrupting cell growth. Penconazole is used on fruit trees, grapes, cucumbers, watermelons, and beans.
Regulatory Update:
Effective 24 August 2025, the EU has updated MRLs for penconazole. Limits have been increased for blackberries, raspberries, pome fruits, and plums based on new residue data, while other crops may see reductions or unchanged limits.
Existing MRLs: Varied by crop (e.g., 0.2 mg/kg for grapes, 0.05 mg/kg for plums).
New MRLs (from 24 August 2025):
- Blackberries, raspberries, pome fruits, plums: Increased (e.g., 0.5 mg/kg for blackberries).
- Other crops: Mostly unchanged or slightly reduced (e.g., 0.05 mg/kg for leafy vegetables)
Instructions:
- Check the new MRLs for your crop.
- Adjust application rates and pre-harvest intervals to comply with the new limits.
Changes in Plant Protection Product Approvals
Dimethomorph: Approval Not Renewed
What is Dimethomorph?
Dimethomorph is a systemic fungicide effective against oomycete fungi, especially for controlling downy mildew and late blight. It disrupts fungal cell wall development and is used on potatoes, grapes, vegetables, and tobacco.
Regulatory Update:
Dimethomorph’s approval was not renewed due to concerns about toxicity and endocrine disruption. All authorizations for products containing dimethomorph must be withdrawn by 20 November 2024, with a grace period for use expiring on 20 May 2025. MRLs are expected to fall to 0.01–0.05 mg/kg for all products.
Crops Impacted:
- Oranges, grapes, strawberries, papayas, potatoes, radishes, bulb vegetables, fruiting vegetables, brassica vegetables, leaf vegetables, herbs, edible flowers, legumes, celeries, artichokes, leeks, seed spices, caraway.
Instructions:
- Cease use of dimethomorph on all crops for the EU market immediately.
- Seek alternative fungicides and update GAP.
- Test produce for residues to ensure compliance with the new, lower MRLs.
Dodemorph and Trichoderma atroviride strain IMI 206040: Approvals Expired
What is Dodemorph?
Dodemorph is a morpholine fungicide that inhibits ergosterol biosynthesis in fungal cell membranes, disrupting their integrity. It is mainly used to control powdery mildew in fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants.
What is Trichoderma atroviride strain IMI 206040?
Trichoderma atroviride strain IMI 206040 is a biological fungicide—a naturally occurring fungus used to control plant pathogens such as Botrytis cinerea and Chondrostereum. It works by outcompeting harmful fungi for nutrients and space, and is applied to crops like strawberries and ornamental trees.
Regulatory Update:
Approvals for dodemorph and Trichoderma atroviride strain IMI 206040 expired on 31 August 2024 due to the absence of renewal applications.
Instructions:
- Discontinue use of these substances for EU-bound crops.
- Monitor for future guidance on MRL adjustments and seek alternative products.
Legislation in Progress: Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products
What’s Proposed?
The EU has proposed a new regulation to replace the 2009 Sustainable Use Directive, aiming for a 50% reduction in the use and risk of chemical PPPs by 2030. The proposal includes legally binding national reduction targets, bans on pesticide use in sensitive areas, mandatory IPM practices, and enhanced monitoring and reporting.
Current Status:
As of May 2025, the proposal remains under negotiation, with no final adoption due to strong stakeholder divisions and recent farmer protests.
What These Updates Mean for Farmers and Buyers
For Farmers and Exporters
Immediate Action Required:
- Review all crop protection programs for compliance with new MRLs and product approvals.
- Discontinue use of substances with non-renewed or expired approvals.
- Test produce for residues, especially for crops with new LOD-based MRLs.
- Seek alternative, EU-approved PPPs and strengthen IPM strategies.
Crop-Specific Guidance:
- For bananas, currants, asparagus, lettuces, escaroles, chards, spinach, and a wide range of fruits and vegetables, acetamiprid and thiacloprid can no longer be relied upon.
- For oranges, grapes, strawberries, potatoes, and many vegetables, dimethomorph must be phased out.
- For blackberries, raspberries, pome fruits, and plums, check penconazole MRL changes for possible increased flexibility.
Documentation and Traceability:
- Maintain detailed records of PPP use and residue testing.
- Communicate with buyers regarding compliance and any changes in pest management protocols.
For Buyers and Importers
Supply Chain Vigilance:
- Require suppliers to certify compliance with the new MRLs and PPP approvals.
- Implement or enhance residue testing protocols for incoming shipments.
- Be prepared for possible disruptions or shortages in supply for certain crops, especially if alternative pest management options are not yet widely adopted.
Risk Management:
- Stay informed on evolving EU regulations and communicate requirements clearly to suppliers.
- Consider diversifying sourcing to mitigate risks associated with regulatory changes.
UK’s Phytosanitary Conditions (Amendment) Regulations 2025
Key Updates Effective 30 May 2025
New Quarantine Pests:
- Neodiprion abietis (balsam fir sawfly) and Pseudomonas avellanae (a bacterial disease of hazel) are now classified as quarantine pests.
- This means stricter import controls and monitoring for these pests, and hazel imports must meet new requirements.
Host Plant List Changes:
- The list of plants regulated as hosts for certain pests, such as the Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis), has been updated. Farmers and nurseries dealing with these host plants should check if new restrictions or requirements apply.
Virus Regulation Updates:
- Tobacco ringspot virus is moved from the quarantine pest list to the regulated non-quarantine pest list, reflecting its presence in the UK.
- Tomato ringspot virus host plant regulations have been revised.
Conifer Import Requirements:
- All conifer plants will be subject to extended import requirements, but this specific measure takes effect from 8 November 2025.
Technical and Trade-Facilitating Updates:
- Amendments clarify and correct previous legislation, aiming to make compliance easier and trade smoother.
What This Means for Farmers
- Hazel growers and importers must ensure imported plants comply with new rules targeting Pseudomonas avellanae.
- Balsam fir and other conifer growers/importers should prepare for stricter controls, especially from November 2025.
- Nurseries and those trading in regulated host plants need to review updated pest and host lists to avoid compliance issues.
- All stakeholders should stay alert for further changes, as pest risks are continually reviewed and regulations may be updated again.
These changes are designed to protect UK crops and woodlands from new pest threats and to align with international standards.
New Releases in Plant Protection Products and Resistant Crop Varieties — May 2025
New Plant Protection Product Approvals in the EU in 2025
Recent Approvals (2025):
- Vitis vinifera seed extract (grape seed extract): Approved as a basic substance in January 2025. This natural extract is considered a low-risk option and can be used as part of integrated pest management strategies1.
- Betabaculovirus phoperculellae: A newly approved low-risk biological active substance. Betabaculoviruses are viruses that specifically target certain insect pests, offering a targeted and environmentally friendly pest control method1.
- Bacillus velezensis strain RTI301: Another low-risk biological, this beneficial bacterium is used for its ability to suppress plant pathogens in the soil and on plant surfaces, promoting plant health and reducing disease incidence.
Renewals and Extensions:
Mepiquat chloride: The approval has been renewed until 29 February 2040. Mepiquat is a plant growth regulator widely used in cereals and cotton to reduce lodging and optimize plant architecture.
Several other approvals have been extended pending further evaluation, ensuring continued availability of key actives while safety reviews are completed1.
Regulatory Trends:
- The EU is accelerating access to biocontrol products, with a 2025 proposal expected to introduce fast-track procedures and provisional authorizations for biopesticides. This will make it easier and quicker for farmers to access nature-friendly crop protection tools.
Emerging Formulations and Innovations
Major agrochemical companies (Bayer, Corteva, Syngenta, BASF) are advancing new chemical and biological crop protection products, including:
- Plant-based surfactants: These reduce environmental and human toxicity, using natural ingredients like pectins and alginates.
- AI-driven R&D: Artificial intelligence is expediting the discovery and optimization of new active substances and formulations.
- Drone-compatible and nano-formulations: These new delivery systems improve precision, reduce off-target impacts, and support sustainable practices.
- Micropep Technologies’ MPD-01: A new biofungicide ingredient based on micropeptide technology has shown promising field trial results and is expected to enter the market soon.
New and Resistant Crop Varieties (Europe)
Spinach:
Wild Spinach Resistance: Researchers at Washington State University identified wild spinach varieties from Central Asia with strong resistance to Fusarium wilt, a persistent soil-borne disease. These resistance genes are now available for breeding into commercial spinach varieties, offering hope for more robust and disease-resistant crops in regions like the Pacific Northwest and potentially Europe.
Oilseed Rape (Canola):
Pinnacle: The highest-yielding conventional oilseed rape on the UK’s AHDB Recommended List, with excellent resistance to light leaf spot and intermediate resistance to verticillium wilt.
New Hybrids: Grainseed and Limagrain are trialing new oilseed rape varieties with even higher yields, oil content, and disease resistance, including the LG Avenger hybrid, which features novel genetic resistance to cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB).
Wheat and Barley:
- Limagrain’s LG Defiance and LG Challenger: New Group 4 hard wheats with high disease resistance and specific weights. LG Defiance and Challenger are candidates for the AHDB Recommended List.
- KWS Grebe, Imrie, Fowlmere, Aintree: Four new winter wheat varieties, with traits like orange wheat blossom midge resistance (Grebe) and eyespot resistance (Imrie), and exceptional yields (Aintree).
- Barley: New two-row winter barleys, LG Capital and LG Caravelle, offer high yields and strong disease resistance.
Sugar Beet:
Virus Yellows and Cercospora Resistance: New sugar beet lines with tolerance to these major diseases are being showcased.
What These Updates Mean for Farmers and Buyers
For Farmers:
- More Sustainable Choices: New approvals of low-risk and biological PPPs, as well as the upcoming fast-track for biocontrols, expand the toolbox for sustainable crop protection.
- Disease-Resistant Varieties: Access to new and improved crop varieties (spinach, oilseed rape, wheat, barley, rice) means better yields, lower input costs, and reduced risk of crop loss from disease or pests.
- Stay Informed: Monitor regulatory developments, especially for biocontrols and new actives, to take advantage of the latest tools as soon as they become available.
For Buyers and the Supply Chain:
- Product Availability: New resistant varieties and PPPs can stabilize supply and improve quality, especially for crops vulnerable to disease or pest outbreaks.
- Sustainability Credentials: Sourcing from farmers who adopt new biocontrols or resistant varieties can enhance sustainability claims and meet consumer and regulatory demands.
Conclusion
The regulatory changes and new crop variety releases in May 2025 mark a pivotal moment for European agriculture. Stricter residue limits, phasing out certain chemical pesticides, and fast-tracking biological alternatives reflect the EU's commitment to safer, more sustainable food production. Meanwhile, the introduction of disease-resistant crop varieties and innovative plant protection products offers farmers new tools to boost yields and resilience. For buyers and exporters, staying informed and proactive is crucial to ensure compliance, maintain supply chain integrity, and capitalize on emerging market trends.
References
https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/registration/fs_PC-014019_26-Sep-03.pdf
