The EU Council has published a cover note dated 23 July 2026 for a Commission Regulation that amends maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the fungicide difenoconazole in or on certain food products. The regulation updates Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 to reflect new scientific data and ensure consumer safety.
The document, a cover note from the Council to the member states, accompanies the Commission Regulation that sets new MRLs for difenoconazole in Annex II and removes transitional MRLs previously listed in Part A of Annex III. This formalises the outcome of a risk assessment conducted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which evaluated the latest toxicological data and dietary exposure.
Difenoconazole is a widely used agricultural fungicide applied to crops such as cereals, fruits, and vegetables. The updated MRLs will affect producers and importers who must ensure their products comply with the new limits when placed on the EU market. National enforcement authorities will also need to adjust their monitoring programmes to verify compliance.
The regulation aligns EU food safety standards with the latest scientific evidence, reducing potential consumer exposure to residues. For the agricultural sector, the new limits may require adjustments in pesticide application practices, particularly for crops where MRLs have been lowered. The changes are expected to have a moderate impact on trade, as importers of third-country produce must also meet the revised standards.
The regulation will enter into force on the twentieth day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Member states will have a transition period to adapt their national controls.