On 5 June 2026, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a technical report concluding on the application for approval of chitosan hydrochloride as a basic substance for extension of use in plant protection for Brassica napus (oilseed rape). The report assesses the substance's suitability for use as a plant protection product on this crop, impacting farmers and the agricultural input industry.
The document, produced by EFSA's Pesticides Peer Review Unit, evaluates the application submitted for extending the approved uses of chitosan hydrochloride, a naturally derived substance already approved as a basic substance for other crops. The report concludes that the proposed extension of use meets the criteria for basic substances under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, meaning it can be used on oilseed rape without requiring full authorisation as a conventional pesticide.
Policy orientations and trade-offs Chitosan hydrochloride is derived from chitin, a natural polymer found in shellfish shells. Its use as a basic substance in plant protection is considered low-risk, offering an alternative to synthetic pesticides. The extension to oilseed rape could help reduce reliance on conventional chemical inputs, aligning with the EU's Farm to Fork Strategy targets for sustainable agriculture. However, the report notes that efficacy data were limited, and the substance's performance may vary under different agronomic conditions, potentially leading to inconsistent pest control.
Impact on stakeholders Farmers growing oilseed rape could benefit from an additional low-risk plant protection option, potentially lowering input costs and reducing chemical residues. The agricultural input industry may see a shift as basic substances gain market share, though chitosan hydrochloride's commercial viability depends on production costs and supply chains. EU regulatory bodies gain a precedent for extending basic substance approvals to additional crops, streamlining future applications. Consumers and environmental groups may welcome reduced synthetic pesticide use, though the limited efficacy data could raise concerns about crop protection reliability.
Expected institutional follow-up Following EFSA's positive conclusion, the European Commission is expected to proceed with amending the list of approved basic substances to include the extended use on oilseed rape. Member States will then be able to authorise the substance for this crop under their national plant protection frameworks.
← Atlas › News › Agri-food