Key data
| Regulation | Corrigendum to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1154 of 29 May 2026 amending Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011 |
|---|---|
| Publication | 10 June 2026 (OJ L, 2026/1154) |
| Entry into force | Not specified in the regulation |
| Affected parties | Pesticide manufacturers, agricultural distributors and farmers using the withdrawn substances |
| Category | Agriculture and Fisheries |
| Base legal framework | Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council |
Three active ingredients widely used in European agriculture lose their authorization on the EU market. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1154, published on 29 May 2026 and corrected by corrigendum on 10 June 2026, removes methoxyfenozide, penthiopyrad and the terpenoid blend QRD 460 from the list of active substances approved under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. This means that any plant protection product formulated with these substances loses legal coverage in the European Union.
The corrigendum published on 10 June ensures the correct legal application of the original regulation, but does not alter the substance of the measure: the withdrawal is definitive and requires the entire chain—manufacturers, distributors and end users—to adapt their operations.
What does this regulation establish?
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1154 amends Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011, which is the consolidated register of all active substances authorized for pesticides in the EU. The amendment consists of removing the following three substances from that register:
| Active substance removed | Type | Main use |
|---|---|---|
| Methoxyfenozide | Insecticide (ecdysone agonist) | Control of Lepidoptera in horticultural crops, fruit trees and vineyards |
| Penthiopyrad | Fungicide (SDHI) | Control of fungal diseases in cereals, vegetables and fruit trees |
| Terpenoid blend QRD 460 | Repellent/natural origin pesticide | Use in conventional and potentially organic agriculture |
The removal means that no Member State can maintain or grant new authorizations for plant protection products containing these substances. Products already marketed that include them lose their European legal backing.
Economic and operational impact
The withdrawal of these three substances generates direct and indirect costs at various points in the chain:
- Pesticide manufacturers: Obliged to reformulate affected products or withdraw them from the market. Reformulation involves R&D costs, new efficacy and safety tests, and new registration processes with the competent authorities.
- Agricultural distributors: Must manage existing stock of products containing these substances, coordinate returns with manufacturers and update their catalog of authorized products.
- Farmers: Need to identify authorized alternatives for pest and disease control that were previously covered by these substances, which may involve changes to treatment schedules and, in some cases, higher treatment costs if available alternatives are more expensive.
The impact is particularly relevant for crops where penthiopyrad was a key tool in managing fungicide resistance, or where methoxyfenozide offered selectivity against broader-spectrum insecticides.
Who does it affect?
- Pesticide manufacturers and formulators that have products containing methoxyfenozide, penthiopyrad or terpenoid blend QRD 460 in their portfolio.
- Distributors and agricultural cooperatives that market or have in stock plant protection products with these substances.
- Farmers and agricultural holdings that regularly use these active ingredients in their plant protection treatments.
- Plant protection advisors and agricultural technicians who must update their clients' treatment plans.
- Importers and exporters of agricultural products that must ensure the absence of residues of unauthorized substances in their products.
Practical example
A wine grower who used penthiopyrad as a rotational fungicide to control powdery mildew in their vineyard, as part of an anti-resistance strategy, can no longer apply that product once its authorization is withdrawn. They will need to review with their plant protection advisor which SDHI fungicides or other mechanism of action fungicides remain authorized and are compatible with their treatment program. If the product they were using was registered specifically for vineyards with that active ingredient, the distributor will also no longer be able to sell it to them.
Similarly, a manufacturer that marketed an insecticide based on methoxyfenozide for controlling caterpillars in fruit trees will need to initiate the reformulation process or cancel the product registration with the Plant Protection Products Register of MAPA, coordinating the withdrawal from the market of existing stock.
What should companies do now?
- Identify affected products: Review the catalog or inventory of plant protection products to locate all those containing methoxyfenozide, penthiopyrad or terpenoid blend QRD 460 as active substance.
- Verify existing stock: Quantify units in storage or in transit of affected products and evaluate management options (return to manufacturer, disposal in accordance with waste regulations, etc.).
- Halt commercialization: Distributors must stop selling affected products as soon as the withdrawal comes into force, to avoid breaches of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009.
- Seek authorized alternatives: Farmers and advisors should consult the Plant Protection Products Register to identify substitutes with active substances in force that cover the same pests or diseases.
- Update treatment plans: Review and document new plant protection programs for the current season, especially in crops where these substances were key tools for anti-resistance rotation.
- Communicate with customers and suppliers: Manufacturers and distributors should proactively inform their commercial network about changes and withdrawal timelines.
Frequently asked questions
What active substances in pesticides does Regulation (EU) 2026/1154 remove?
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1154 removes three active substances from the list of approved pesticides in the EU: methoxyfenozide (insecticide), penthiopyrad (fungicide) and the terpenoid blend QRD 460. No plant protection product containing them can continue to be marketed on the European market.
Can I continue to use products with methoxyfenozide or penthiopyrad that I already have in my warehouse?
The regulation withdraws the authorization of these active substances. Once the withdrawal becomes effective, products containing them cannot be marketed or, in principle, used. It is essential to consult the grace periods established by the competent national authority (in Spain, MAPA) for the depletion of existing stocks, as the regulation does not specify a specific transition period.
What alternatives exist to replace penthiopyrad as a fungicide?
Penthiopyrad belongs to the group of SDHI fungicides (succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors). There are other active substances in the same group or different groups that may continue to be authorized for the same crops and pathogens. The specific alternative depends on the crop, pest and country. It is recommended to consult the Plant Protection Products Register of MAPA or an authorized plant protection advisor.
What should pesticide manufacturers do with registered products containing these substances?
Manufacturers must initiate the cancellation process for the registration of affected products with the competent national authorities and manage the withdrawal from the market of existing stock. If they wish to maintain an equivalent product, they will need to reformulate it with an active substance that remains authorized and register the new formulation from scratch.
Why was a corrigendum published and what changes compared to the original regulation?
The corrigendum (published on 10 June 2026) ensures the correct legal application of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1154, published on 29 May 2026. It does not alter the substance of the measure: the withdrawal of the three active substances remains definitive. The corrigendum corrects formal or reference errors in the original legal text.
Official source
Consult the complete regulation at official source
Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202690467