EU Officially Approves Rapeseed Oil as a Low-Risk Active Substance Until 2040

On September 17, 2025, the European Commission published Regulation (EU) 2025/1879 in the Official Journal of the European Union, formally approving rapeseed oil as a low-risk active substance under the EU’s Plant Protection Products Regulation framework.

According to the legislation, the approval of rapeseed oil is valid until October 31, 2040, providing a 15-year authorization period, which is the maximum duration generally granted for low-risk substances. The regulation will enter into force on the twentieth day following its publication, ensuring timely implementation across EU Member States.

This approval underscores the EU’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly pest management. Rapeseed oil, a biodegradable and non-toxic natural compound, is widely used as a botanical insecticide and fungicide, offering an effective and safe alternative to synthetic pesticides. The decision supports the European Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy, both of which aim to reduce pesticide dependency and promote bio-based agricultural inputs.

Industry experts view this as a strategic milestone for biopesticide producers and sustainable agriculture advocates, fostering long-term regulatory certainty for the development of eco-friendly formulations.