New MRLs for difenoconazole effective May 2027

22 October 2026

UTRECHT – The European Commission has established new maximum residue limits (MRLs) for difenoconazole in and on a wide range of food products. The changes will take effect on May 5, 2027. It is particularly important for companies that grow, import, process, or trade potatoes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and other plant-based products to implement the new limits in the supply chain in a timely manner.

What’s going on?

With Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/2299, the European Commission is amending the maximum residue limits for difenoconazole in the annexes to Regulation (EC) No. 396/2005. The amendment affects many fresh and processed plant products, animal products, and herbs and spices.

For potatoes, sweet potatoes, eggplants, Swiss chard, cardoons, and celery, the MRLs are being lowered. As a result, residue levels that are still compliant under the current rules may exceed the legal limit as of May 5, 2027.

Key Changes for Fruits and Vegetables

Product	New MRL	Practical Implications
Potatoes and sweet potatoes	0.07 mg/kg	MRL is being reduced
Eggplants	0.5 mg/kg	MRL is being reduced
Swiss chard	3 mg/kg	MRL is reduced
Celery	5 mg/kg	MRL is reduced
Citrus fruits	0.6 mg/kg	Explicit EU review level
Nuts	0.03 mg/kg	Explicit EU reference level
Mango	0.2 mg/kg	Explicit EU reference level
Dried peas and soybeans	0.15 mg/kg	Explicit EU screening level

Change also applies to animal products

For most animal products, the residue definition for testing is changing. From now on, difenoconazole alcohol (CGA205375), expressed as difenoconazole, must also be included. For laboratories and companies that test animal products, therefore, not only is the numerical MRL relevant, but also which components are included in the assessment.

Impact on the food sector

The new values apply to growers, importers, trading companies, processors, and retailers. For products where the MRL is decreasing, a test result that currently complies with the law may be assessed differently starting May 5, 2027. Quality managers must therefore review product specifications, risk analyses, supplier agreements, and monitoring programs in light of the new values in a timely manner.

This date is also important for harvest planning, shipping, and inventory management. The transitional arrangement applies to products placed on the market in the European Union before May 5, 2027. Ensuring proper traceability from that point forward helps substantiate compliance with the applicable regulations.

What does this mean for organizations?

Identify which products and raw materials in your product range fall under the revised product list.
Have growers and suppliers assess whether the use of difenoconazole and the applied waiting periods still align with the future MRLs, especially where the limit is being lowered.
Incorporate the new limit values into product specifications and supplier agreements, and check individually whether customers apply stricter internal limits.
Re-evaluate existing analysis results against the values that will apply starting May 5, 2027.
Verify, for inventory and trade flows, when a product was placed on the market in the EU.

How can laboratory testing help?

Residue analyses can provide insight into whether products comply with the future MRLs. Especially for products for which the limit is being lowered, it can be useful to compare historical results, supplier data, and new measurements against the future regulatory limit.

A thorough assessment requires the right combination of product category, residue definition, analytical method, and applicable MRL. For animal products, the revised residue definition warrants special attention. Therefore, discuss in advance which matrix, substance, and regulatory or additional customer requirements will be central to the assessment.

An employee wearing safety gear checks logistics processes in a warehouse using a tablet.

Related in-depth information: MRL and internal limits

An MRL is a statutory maximum limit for a pesticide residue. Retailers and other customers may also apply additional specifications. An analysis result below the statutory MRL therefore does not automatically mean that the product meets all customer requirements. Define statutory compliance and customer requirements that exceed statutory limits separately in specifications and assessment criteria.

Conclusion

Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/2299 introduces new MRLs for difenoconazole for a wide range of food products, effective May 5, 2027. For produce companies, products with a reduced MRL deserve particular attention. By updating specifications, supplier agreements, traceability, and residue monitoring before the effective date, organizations can reduce the risk of exceeding legal limits and failing to meet customer requirements.

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