Recently, the European Commission announced that it has decided not to extend the approval of the active ingredient of pesticides dimoxystrobin, due to the toxic metabolites of dimoxystrobin may pollute groundwater.

The decision was based on an assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which showed that toxic metabolites of dimoxystrobin present a serious risk of groundwater contamination in all geoclimatic conditions. As a result, the Committee concluded that dimoxystrobin no longer meets the criteria for approval under the EU Pesticide Regulation.

The European Commission Implementing Regulation stipulates that EU Member States must withdraw the authorisation of pesticide products containing dimoxystrobin by 31 January 2024. In addition, the grace period granted by any Member State for the use of existing stocks shall expire by July 31, 2024. After this date, dimoxystrobin products will not be available for use in the EU. As a result of the decision not to renew, the product will now be phased out six months ahead of schedule.

Dimoxystrobin is a new methoxyacrylate fungicide developed by BASF for use in crops such as wheat, grapes and potatoes, and its non-renewal now means that farmers will need to turn to alternative pest management strategies or products in future growing seasons. Pesticide manufacturers can later apply for reapproval of dimoxystrobin, but will need to provide evidence that the risks identified by EFSA have been addressed.