Check that your PPP authorisations in NI comply with the relevant EU MRLs.
The EU MRL review programme can result in EU MRLs being lowered and PPPs authorised in NI may be affected.
Find out the status of ongoing and upcoming EU MRL reviews.
Future EU MRL amendments: publication expected mid-2026.
In February 2026, the EU SCoPAFF (Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed) agreed to changes to EU MRLs for active substances under Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.
If these pass scrutiny by the European Parliament and Council, we can expect the publication of EU implementing Regulations for the revised MRLs in the next 4 to 6 months. The MRLs are likely to come into force 6 months following publication.
It is expected that EU MRLs will be amended for the active substances:
- Metribuzin
- Chlormequat
- Triclopyr
Find out which commodities are affected by searching for the active substance in the EU MRL database. Related changes proposed to EU MRLs will shortly appear in the 'not yet applicable' column.
The list of active substances does not include EU MRLs resulting from applications to raise EU MRLs, for example to support new PPP uses, or proposals to list active substances on Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 (actives not subject to MRLs).
What HSE will do
HSE will aim to identify NI PPP authorisations that require amending or withdrawing because of new EU MRLs coming into force and contact authorisation holders that are affected.
What NI PPP authorisation holders are advised to do
As there are no NI authorisations for metribuzin on any crop, no amendment or withdrawal action is required because of the new EU MRLs for metribuzin.
Authorisation holders for the remaining active substances are advised to check that their NI PPP authorisations comply with the amended EU MRLs.
Authorisation holders who identify any NI PPP authorisations that will not comply with the amended EU MRLs are advised to contact us.
Authorisation holders should review the European Food Safety Authority’s reasoned opinions which identify data or information that is unavailable but is required to retain MRLs following EU MRL reviews.
These appear as footnotes in the EU MRL database. Authorisation holders wishing to retain EU MRLs should submit the data or information by the deadline in an application to an EU Member State.
Find guidance on submitting data to confirm EU MRLs.
Stakeholders should note that maximum residue levels are in scope of the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement currently being negotiated between the UK and the EU. Once negotiations on the SPS Agreement have concluded, HSE will communicate further on any implications the agreement has for the sector.
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