On 5 June 2026, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a technical report concluding on the application to extend the approval of chitosan hydrochloride as a basic substance in plant protection for use on grapevine and amenity grassland. The report assesses the substance's safety and efficacy for these new uses, impacting growers and turf managers seeking low-toxicity alternatives to conventional pesticides.
The document, produced by EFSA's Pesticides Peer Review Unit, evaluates data submitted by the applicant and concludes that chitosan hydrochloride meets the criteria for basic substance approval under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. As a basic substance, it is not a conventional pesticide but a naturally occurring or similar substance with a primary non-pesticidal use, subject to a lighter regulatory process. The report finds that the proposed extension poses no unacceptable risks to human or animal health or the environment when used according to the specified conditions.
Policy orientations and trade-offs The report's positive conclusion supports the extension of a low-risk, non-synthetic plant protection option, aligning with EU goals to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides. However, the limited efficacy data for certain pathogens may require integrated pest management strategies. The trade-off involves potentially lower efficacy compared to synthetic fungicides versus reduced environmental and health impacts.
Impact on stakeholders For grapevine growers and amenity grassland managers, the extension offers a new tool for disease control with a favourable safety profile. EU producers of chitosan-based products stand to benefit from an expanded market. Conventional pesticide manufacturers may face increased competition from a low-cost alternative. National regulatory authorities will need to update their lists of approved basic substances, a minor administrative burden.
Expected institutional follow-up EFSA's conclusions will inform the European Commission's decision on whether to amend the approval regulation to include the new uses. Member States will then implement the extension through national authorisations. No further EFSA review is anticipated unless new scientific evidence emerges.
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