APEDA asks rice exporters to adhere to the EU pesticide residue cap on stem borer insecticide

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has asked rice exporters to adhere to the new maximum residue limit (MRL) set by the European Union (EU) for Thiacloprid, which is used against stem borer menace. 

In a circular, APEDA said the EU has set the MRL for Thiacloprid (0.01 mg/kg) and it will come into force from May 12, 2025. The Commission Regulation(EU) has set the MRL of Thiacloprid in various products, with limits specifically for each, on October 22, 2024. 

France takes the lead

APEDA said France first came up with the norms on Thiacloprid, on March 6, 2024. It urged exporters to adhere to the norms to avoid any rejections. 

 France is one of the major export destinations for Indian rice, APEDA said. “Upon implementation of notification, it is implied that the residue level of Thiacloprid shall not be detected in rice,” the circular said. 

The EU lowered the MRL on the insecticide as it is feared to cause damage to the liver, thyroids, reproductive issues and lead to chromosomal aberrations. It can also reportedly cause human toxicity.

Trade sources said Thiacloprid is rarely used in the country and any impact on India will be minimal.  

The APEDA circular comes in the wake of the EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen hinting that the EU will likely come up with stricter controls on agriculture and food imports. Hansen has hinted at “significant changes” in the EU stance on trade.