Introduction
As 2026 approaches, the EU pesticide regulatory landscape is entering a period of major reform. The European Commission proposed an unlimited-period approval mechanism with a selective, risk-based re-evaluation model, prioritizing biological and low-risk plant protection products. At the same time, stricter controls are being introduced on co-formulants, and the approvals of Methoxyfenozide and Buprofezin will be discontinued. These changes signal increasing demands on formulation safety, supply chain management, and strategic portfolio planning for companies operating in the EU market.
EU Proposes "Unlimited Period Approval with Selective Re-Evaluation” Mechanism for Pesticide Active Substances
In late 2025, the European Commission released the Food and Feed Safety Simplification Package, proposing a fundamental reform of the regulatory framework governing pesticide active substances in the European Union. Key elements of the proposal include:
A proposed shift from the systematic renewal cycle (typically up to 10-15 years) to an unlimited period approval model.
Approvals would be accompanied by a selective and risk-based re-evaluation model based on the latest scientific evidence. A formal review will only be triggered when new safety concerns arise.
The proposal also explicitly prioritizes accelerated approval pathways for biological and low-risk plant protection products, reinforcing policy support for the EU’s green transition and sustainable agriculture objectives.
REACH24H's Recommended Actions for Enterprises:
Closely monitor legislative progress and forthcoming implementing measures, and adjust medium- to long-term product portfolios and registration strategies accordingly.
Align with policy direction by prioritizing the development or introduction of biocontrol and low-risk active substances to leverage potential fast-track approval advantages.
For existing high-potential active substances, evaluate their long-term market value under the proposed new mechanism to optimize resource allocation and strategic investment.
European Union Prohibits 14 Co-formulants in Plant Protection Products
In December 2025, the European Commission published a draft amendment to EU pesticide legislation, proposing to add14 co-formulants to the list of substances not permitted for use in plant protection products and adjuvants.
The amendment is expected to enter into force in 2026 and provides a two-year transition period for Member States. During this transition, authorized products containing newly prohibited co-formulants must either undergo formulation changes or have their authorizations withdrawn.
This regulatory development further tightens oversight of non-active ingredients, underscoring the EU’s increasing focus on the safety of pesticide formulations as a whole and placing higher demands on formulation design and supply chain management.
REACH24H's Recommended Actions for Enterprises:
Check the co‑formulants used in your current products to see if any are on the prohibited list.
For affected products, initiate formula optimization and alternative substance validation as early as possible to complete compliance adjustments before the transition period expires.
Ensure that co-formulants listed for prohibition are excluded from all products under development or planned for submission, reducing future registration risks at the source.
EU Non-renewal of active substance Methoxyfenozide and Buprofezin Approvals
In 2026, the active substances Methoxyfenozide and Buprofezin will no longer be approved at the EU level under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009.
Methoxyfenozide: The approval of this active substance will expire on 31 March 2026. No application for renewal was submitted by the end of 2025, so the approval will automatically end.
Buprofezin: This substance has been identified as an endocrine disruptor, and the European Commission has issued a draft non-approval decision, with a formal ban expected to be adopted within 2026.
Under EU regulations, Member States may establish national grace periods for the sale and use of existing stocks after non-approval decisions take effect. The duration and conditions of these grace periods vary across jurisdictions.
REACH24H's Recommended Actions for Enterprises:
Immediately verify products to confirm whether methoxyfenozide or buprofezin is involved.
Closely track grace period deadlines announced by target Member States and plan production, manage, and deplete existing stocks accordingly.
Conclusion
Companies must strengthen portfolio assessment, formulation management, and regulatory monitoring to mitigate approval risks, ensure business continuity, and maintain long-term competitiveness in the EU market.
Contact our regulatory experts at customer@reach24h.com for guidance on navigating these changes.
