Authorisation and grace period for the use of Thiacloprid expired

What the decision of the European Commission means for your products and analyses

Feb 2021. In January 2020, the European Commission decided with the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/23 not to renew the authorisations of Thiacloprid. Member states were urged to revoke the authorisations for Thiacloprid until 3 August 2020. Any grace periods ended on 3 February 2021 at the latest.

Thiacloprid and its toxicological properties as a neonicotinoide

The withdrawal of the authorisations is based on EFSA's assessment that Thiacloprid and some of its metabolites have carcinogenic properties. Thiacloprid is an insecticide and belongs to the group of neonicotinoids. The widely used neonicotinoids are used as seed treatment agents or applied to plants as crop sprays. Due to their negative effects on the environment, this group of active substances is subject to criticism overall.

Consequences of the admission stop of Thiacloprid for food

Thiacloprid residues were found in the past, e.g. in tea. Especially for the group of fresh herbs as well as teas and herbal infusions, relatively high maximum residue levels (MRLs) in the range of 5 to 10 mg/kg have been established so far. With the expiration of the authorisation and the assessment of EFSA, significant decreases in the maximum residue levels are to be expected in the near future. The validated Eurofins analytical methods are highly sensitive and capable of detecting traces of Thiacloprid in the relevant matrices down to a reporting limit of 0.01 mg/kg.

We support you with the analysis of insecticides

Our experts with many years of experience in the analysis of pesticides will create a risk-based testing plan for your products and give advice if new developments lead to different analytical requirements. Contact your personal account manager or get in touch with us and we will check for you whether you are optimally protected with your current test spectrum.