The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has issued a directive to rice exporters to conform to the new maximum residue limit (MRL) established by the European Union (EU) for Thiacloprid, which is utilized to combat stem borer infestation.
According to a circular released by APEDA, the EU has set the MRL for Thiacloprid at 0.01 mg/kg, which will be enforced from May 12, 2025. The Commission Regulation (EU) specified the MRL of Thiacloprid in various products with specific limits for each, on October 22, 2024.
France was the first to implement regulations on Thiacloprid on March 6, 2024. APEDA has urged exporters to comply with these standards in order to prevent any rejections. France is a key export market for Indian rice, and the circular stated that once the notification is in effect, Thiacloprid residue must not be detected in rice.
The EU reduced the MRL for the insecticide due to concerns about potential damage to the liver, thyroid, reproductive system, chromosomal aberrations, and human toxicity. Thiacloprid is seldom used in India, so the impact on the country is expected to be minimal.
This initiative by APEDA comes amid indications from EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, about potential stricter controls on agricultural and food imports. Hansen suggested that there could be significant changes in the EU’s trade policies.
