Tighter pesticide residue rules being considered by the European Union (EU) could raise the cost of doing business for exporters, with some agricultural products potentially shut out of the European market even when the pesticides used remain legal in their countries of origin.
The proposed changes would allow maximum residue limits (MRLs) for certain pesticides not authorised in the EU to be lowered to the limit of quantification, effectively the lowest level laboratories can reliably detect. This could result in imported products being rejected where traces of substances are detected. The European Commission introduced the proposal in December as part of a broader package to simplify food and feed safety legislation. Its potential impact on trade has since drawn concern from several African countries and other major agricultural exporters.
A study published in August by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre examined the potential economic effects of lowering MRLs for 18 active substances considered among the most hazardous. The analysis covers 235 commodities and 86 exporting countries, including products such as citrus, tomatoes, grapes, avocados, bananas, beans, berries, mangoes, coffee, tea and spices. For producers supplying the EU, the implications could extend beyond pesticide use. Exporters may need to increase residue testing, strengthen traceability, train farmers and adjust production practices to meet tighter requirements.
Smaller farms could face the greatest pressure as additional compliance costs are absorbed across supply chains, potentially affecting export volumes and producer incomes. Kenya has raised the issue at the World Trade Organization (WTO), arguing that some EU decisions on pesticide MRLs diverge from Codex Alimentarius standards and internationally recognised scientific risk assessments. The country has warned of shipment rejections, increased uncertainty and potential income losses for smallholder farmers.
Kenya has also called for greater consultation with exporting countries, adequate transition periods and consideration of the needs of developing economies. South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Uganda and Morocco are among the African suppliers with significant exposure to the EU market. Their export baskets include fruit, vegetables, horticultural products, flowers, coffee and tea. South Africa has more than 11 of the 18 active substances covered by the JRC analysis registered for at least one use, while Kenya’s exposure is particularly significant across horticulture, including green beans, peas and cut flowers, as well as tea and coffee.
Morocco is also exposed through major exports including tomatoes, citrus fruit, strawberries, melons, peppers, beans and other vegetables, while Egypt has significant fruit and vegetable trade with the EU. The European Commission’s proposal does not immediately reduce all affected MRLs. Instead, it would create a framework allowing the Commission to withdraw import tolerances and lower limits where an impact assessment supports the move.
The proposal remains under consideration by the European Parliament and Council of the EU. If adopted, the changes could add another layer of compliance pressure for agricultural exporters seeking to maintain access to the European market.
