The European Commission has renewed the approval of captan, a widely utilised fungicide, under Regulation (EU) 2024/2186, effective from 1 November 2024. This renewal follows a thorough review process under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, which governs the marketing of plant protection products. The renewed approval of captan will remain valid until 31 October 2039 and introduces several conditions and restrictions designed to enhance environmental protection and reduce risks to human health.
Background and Review Process of Captan
Captan has long been a crucial tool in agricultural practices across the European Union. Initially included as an active substance in Annex I of Council Directive 91/414/EEC, captan was later approved under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. With the approval set to expire on 15 November 2024, an application for renewal was submitted, leading to a comprehensive evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and EU Member States.
The review process, initiated in December 2017, involved the submission of a draft renewal assessment report by the rapporteur Member State and an extensive consultation period. In July 2020, EFSA concluded that captan did not meet the criteria for endocrine disruption under points 3.6.5 and 3.8.2 of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. This conclusion allowed for the continuation of captan's approval with additional safety measures.
New Conditions and Restrictions for the Use of Captan
While the renewed approval allows for the continued use of captan in agriculture, it comes with stringent new conditions to protect non-target species, including wild mammals, bees, and aquatic environments. Key restrictions include:
- Limitations on Use During Flowering: The use of captan is restricted to periods outside the flowering stages of crops and only when no flowering weeds are present. This measure aims to minimise the risk of exposure to pollinators, such as bees.
- Enhanced Application Techniques: The regulation mandates the use of advanced application equipment, such as shielded and sensor-controlled sprayers, that can significantly reduce pesticide drift and environmental exposure. This equipment must achieve a minimum of a 61% reduction in pesticide exposure per hectare and at least a 20% reduction in loss to the ground compared to conventional methods.
- Monitoring and Additional Data Requirements: To support these new measures, applicants must provide further data on the environmental impact of captan’s metabolites, particularly in groundwater, and demonstrate the effectiveness of water treatment processes in removing these residues.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements: To protect human health, particularly for operators and bystanders, the use of adequate personal protective equipment is required due to captan's high potential for skin sensitisation.
Implications for Farmers and Industry
The renewal of captan’s approval is a significant development for farmers who rely on this fungicide for crop protection, particularly in fruit orchards like apples and cherries. However, the new restrictions will require changes in how captan is applied, potentially necessitating investment in new equipment and stricter adherence to usage protocols.
Moreover, the regulation highlights a broader trend within the EU towards more sustainable agricultural practices, balancing the need for effective pest control with environmental protection and human health considerations.
Renewal of Captan
The European Commission's renewal of captan with enhanced safety measures reflects ongoing efforts to refine pesticide use in the EU. By implementing these stringent conditions, the Commission aims to mitigate potential risks while maintaining the availability of essential plant protection products. As the agricultural sector adapts to these changes, the focus will remain on advancing both productivity and sustainability in European farming practices.
By staying informed about these updates on captan, farmers and agricultural professionals can better prepare for the evolving regulatory landscape and ensure compliance with the latest standards.
