New copper limits in EU food 2026: what producers must do

Key data

Agrifood producers using copper compounds as fungicide have an immediate obligation: review their application protocols. Regulation (EU) 2026/840, published on April 16, 2026 and entering into force the previous day, amends Annexes II and III of Regulation (EC) No. 396/2005, which is the European framework regulating maximum residue limits (MRLs) of pesticides in food.

Copper is not a marginal fungicide: it is one of the most widely used in organic and conventional agriculture precisely because it is authorized in both systems. This significantly expands the universe of affected parties.

What does this regulation establish?

Regulation (EU) 2026/840 amends Annexes II and III of Regulation (EC) No. 396/2005, which is the reference standard in the EU for maximum residue limits of pesticides in food and feed.

Specifically, it updates the MRLs of copper compounds in certain agricultural and food products. MRLs are the maximum concentrations allowed of a substance that may remain in food after treatment with a pesticide.

Copper compounds are commonly applied to combat fungal diseases in crops such as grapevines, olives, potatoes or citrus fruits. The update of MRLs requires producers to verify that applied doses do not generate residues above the new thresholds in the final product.

Economic and operational impact

The impact is not only technical: it has direct economic consequences for any agrifood company using copper in its phytosanitary treatments.

• Batch rejection in market: A product exceeding the new MRLs may be withdrawn or rejected in market controls, with the economic cost that implies in merchandise, logistics and commercial reputation.
• Review of production protocols: Companies will need to update their field notebooks, treatment schedules and applied doses to ensure compliance.
• Residue analysis: It will be necessary to review and possibly expand residue analysis in final product to have evidence of compliance before inspections.
• Impact on exporters to the EU: Producers from third countries exporting food to the EU are equally subject to these limits. A shipment that does not comply may be rejected at the border.
• Organic agriculture especially exposed: Copper is one of the few fungicides authorized in organic production. Organic operators must pay special attention to the new thresholds.

Who does it affect?

• Farmers using copper compounds as fungicide in their crops, in both conventional and organic production.
• Agrifood producers transforming agricultural raw materials treated with copper.
• EU exporters selling agricultural products in markets that recognize European standards.
• Importers of agricultural products in the EU from third countries where copper compounds are used.
• Organic agriculture operators, for whom copper is a common and regulated input.
• Laboratories and analysis companies providing residue control services to the sector.
• Agricultural advisors and phytosanitary technicians who design treatment programs for their clients.

Practical example

An organic wine producer in La Rioja applies copper sulfate during the season to protect their vineyards from downy mildew. Until now, their treatment protocol was calibrated to comply with the previous MRLs of Regulation (EC) 396/2005.

With the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2026/840 on April 15, 2026, the limits in Annexes II and III have changed. If this producer does not review their doses and the timing of application regarding the withdrawal period, their grapes—and the resulting wine—could exceed the new MRLs.

The practical result: a batch of wine rejected in a market control, with loss of merchandise, withdrawal costs and possible impact on their organic certification. The solution is to review the protocol before the next treatment campaign, not after harvest.

The same risk applies to a Spanish importer buying table olives from Morocco treated with copper: if residues exceed the new MRLs, the product may be rejected at the border or withdrawn from the market.

What should companies do now?

1. Consult the new MRLs published in Regulation (EU) 2026/840 for the specific agricultural products you produce or import, verifying the updated Annexes II and III of Regulation (EC) 396/2005.
2. Review copper application protocols in the field: doses, number of applications, withdrawal periods and treatment dates, to ensure that residues in final product remain below the new thresholds.
3. Update residue analysis in final product, incorporating the new MRLs as a compliance reference in internal quality controls.
4. Inform suppliers and business partners from third countries about the new requirements, especially if importing raw materials or finished products treated with copper compounds.
5. Review traceability documentation and field notebooks to have evidence of compliance before possible market inspections.
6. Consult with your phytosanitary advisor or agricultural technician to adapt the treatment program to the new limits before the next campaign.