Corteva statement on Mancozeb EU authorisation and Maximum Residue Levels
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8 May 2020
Take away: Mancozeb, a long serving and globally used broad spectrum fungicide, is currently under review for authorisation renewal in the EU. While Corteva Agriscience is not part of the EU Mancozeb Task Force, we have a vested interest in the continued trade standards within the EU as we are a registrant for this active substance in many other geographies. This document covers the renewal scenario for mancozeb in the EU, potential trade implications, and what Corteva is doing to ensure freedom to operate for users of mancozeb in all geographies.
Mancozeb is a widely recognized broad-spectrum fungicide which has been an instrumental tool for farmers around the world for over 50 years. It is a globally important disease-management product that is used, both alone and as a key partner, on a diverse range of crops, including fruits, nuts, vegetables, soybeans, potatoes, bananas, citrus and grapes. Mancozeb has a multi-site mode of action and is a key resistance management tool with no reported resistance.
EU authorisation status and proposed non-renewal
Mancozeb is authorised in the European Union and products containing mancozeb are registered in all EU Member States. Mancozeb active substance is currently under review to renew its EU approval. Corteva Agriscience is not part of the EU Mancozeb Task Force, a joint activity of UPL Europe Ltd and Indofil Industries Ltd as notifiers of the active substance mancozeb in the renewal process. However, we are one of the global leaders for the mancozeb business and hold product registrations in many countries including European countries, China, Japan, Brazil and the United States.
To date, no decision on the renewal of mancozeb has been taken in the EU and the decision-making process is ongoing. On 17 April 2020, the European Commission notified to the World Trade Organization Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) a draft non-renewal proposal, open for comments until 17 June 2020. A six-month grace period is foreseen if the proposal is adopted.
The EU Mancozeb Task Force remains confident in the safe use of mancozeb in the EU and actively supports its renewal. The European Commission will discuss this proposed non-renewal with EU Member States during the 18-19 May 2020 Standing Committee meeting, and a vote could be scheduled in the following meetings.
Potential impact on Maximum Residue Levels
The EU WTO TBT notification initially referred to a separate action to reduce mancozeb maximum residue levels (MRLs) to the limit of quantification, expecting new MRLs applying from Q3 2020. This information was incorrect and subsequently corrected via an addendum to the notification published on 7 May 2020, stating that “separate action will likely be taken on MRLs and a separate notification will be made in accordance with SPS procedures.” Our understanding is that the European Commission does not intend to immediately propose to amend mancozeb MRLs following a non-renewal decision.
Corteva statement on Mancozeb EU authorisation and Maximum Residue Levels