Derogation of use of 2 neonicotinoids in France
Neonicotinoids are pesticides that act on the central nervous system of insects. The EFSA found that for most crops, bees are at high risk due to the use of these insecticides in plant protection products.
In Europe, 4 neonicotinoid substances are currently banned:
- Imidacloprid
- Clothianidin
- Thiacloprid
- Thiamethoxam
In France, according to the 2016 biodiversity law, since 1 September 2018, the use of products containing neonicotinoids and seeds treated with these products has been prohibited in France for uses that are not subject to a derogation by ministerial order. Exemptions to the ban could be granted until 1 July 2020.
The neonicotinoids concerned are the following:
- Acetamiprid
- Imidacloprid
- Clothianidin
- Thiacloprid
- Thiamethoxam
Two other substances with identical modes of action to those of the neonicotinoid family are also banned: flupyradifurone and sulfoxaflor.
Law n°2020-1578 of 14 December 2020 reintroduced limited derogations for the use of seeds treated with neonicotinoids until 1 July 2023 as authorised by Article 53 of EC Regulation 1107/2009 which provides that a Member State may authorise the use of a plant protection product that does not have a marketing authorisation, for a maximum of 120 days, for a limited and controlled use when there is a danger that cannot be controlled by other reasonable means.
The decree of 5 February 2021 has therefore just been published in the JORF. It authorises the use of sugar beet seeds treated with imidacloprid or thiamethoxam for a period of 120 days. Two plant protection products containing these substances are concerned.
The text specifies the conditions under which the planting or replanting of bee-attracting crops after the use of these seeds is prohibited, as well as mitigation and compensation measures for maize and oilseed rape crops.
The Phytocontrol laboratory assists you in the analysis of neonicotinoids in plant matrices under COFRAC accreditation (Scope N°1-1904 available on the COFRAC website).
Need technical, regulatory and tariff information? Our customer service is available from 8 am to 8 pm Monday to Friday at +44 (0) 2037 430 973 or service-clients@phytocontrol.com.
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