EU Ceases Approval of Xylylmercaptan, Stock Usage Deadline Expires in May 2025

In a recent development, the European Union (EU) has decided not to renew the approval for Xylylmercaptan (DMM) as an active ingredient in plant protection products. According to Regulation (EU) 2024/1207, member states are required to withdraw fungicidal products containing this ingredient, such as Orvego®, Forum®, and Forum® Gold, before November 20, 2024. Additionally, member states have set a deadline for the sale and use of existing stock, which is until May 20, 2025.

The EU's decision to discontinue the approval of Xylylmercaptan, a prominent fungicide, has implications for the agricultural industry and trade within the region. Xylylmercaptan, also known as DMM, is widely used in the control of diseases such as downy mildew and late blight in crops such as cruciferous vegetables, melons, and fruit trees. It is also effective in managing diseases like black shank in tobacco and late blight in potatoes.

However, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) released a peer-reviewed risk assessment on Xylylmercaptan in June 2023, highlighting its potential long-term risks and categorizing it as a reproductive toxicant and an endocrine disruptor for mammals. Concerns over its impact on consumer health have prompted the gradual phase-out of Xylylmercaptan's use in the EU, raising the possibility of a complete ban on the product.

The deadline set for member states to withdraw fungicidal products containing Xylylmercaptan reflects the EU's commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of its food and agricultural systems. Companies and manufacturers within the EU will need to adjust their production and supply chains accordingly to comply with the new regulations.

BASF, a major player in the agricultural industry, has indicated that the determination of maximum residue limits (MRLs) for active substances usually occurs after the approval process for crop protection products concludes. If MRLs are reduced, the previously valid MRLs will still apply to products already on the market, provided that residues pose no risks to consumer health following risk assessments. Consequently, legally produced agricultural products, such as grapes, beer, vegetables, and others, containing Xylylmercaptan residues may continue to be circulated in the market.

The impact of the EU's decision is not limited to European countries alone. Xylylmercaptan has been extensively used in regions like Asia, North America, and Europe, with various formulations and a broad spectrum of applications. The European market's shift away from Xylylmercaptan may prompt changes in global trade dynamics and influence the choice of alternative fungicides in affected regions.

The EU's decision to discontinue the approval of Xylylmercaptan as an active ingredient in plant protection products signifies a significant step toward prioritizing consumer safety and environmental protection. With member states required to withdraw fungicidal products containing Xylylmercaptan by November 2024 and the stock usage deadline set to expire in May 2025, stakeholders in the agricultural industry will need to adapt their practices to comply with the new regulations. The phasing out of Xylylmercaptan underscores the EU's commitment to sustainable agriculture and the continuous evaluation of substances for their impact on human health and the environment.