On 30 June 2026, the European Commission adopted a delegated regulation adding chlorpyrifos to Annex I of the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation (EU) 2019/1021, effectively banning its production, use, import and export across all EU Member States. The move follows the Stockholm Convention's 12th Conference of the Parties in Geneva (28 April – 9 May 2025), which decided to list chlorpyrifos in Annex A with specific exemptions under decision SC-12/9.
The EU, however, already does not approve chlorpyrifos in plant protection or biocidal products under Regulations (EC) No 1107/2009 and (EU) No 528/2012, so the delegated regulation lists the substance without any exemptions. A limit value will be set for chlorpyrifos as an unintentional trace contaminant in substances, mixtures and articles, ensuring enforcement of the prohibition. The regulation enters into force on the 20th day after publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Member States are responsible for enforcing the ban. The adoption marks the final step in phasing out chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate pesticide linked to neurotoxicity, from the EU market.
The impact is most significant for chemical manufacturers and importers who previously handled chlorpyrifos, as they must cease all production and trade, and for waste management operators who must comply with the trace-contaminant limit. EU regulators gain a clear enforcement tool, while consumers and the environment benefit from reduced exposure to a hazardous substance. The European Parliament and Council have the right to scrutinise the delegated act within a two-month objection period.