US Environmental Protection Agency Receives Pesticide Petitions for Residue Regulations on Various Commodities

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States has recently received several pesticide petitions requesting the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. This announcement was made in a WTO notification on July 14, 2023, through the document titled "Receipt of Several Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities. Notice of filing of petitions and request for comment."

The objective and rationale behind these proposed regulations are primarily focused on ensuring food safety. The regulations aim to address residues of pesticide chemicals in commodities to safeguard the health of consumers. Additionally, there is no indication of deviations from relevant international standards, as confirmed by the absence of any identified international standard.

The commodities covered by these petitions are not specified in the information provided. However, it is essential to note that these regulations could impact all trading partners, signifying the potential global implications.

As of now, the proposed dates of adoption and publication have not been determined. The exact date of entry into force is also yet to be finalized. The public has an opportunity to provide comments and feedback on these proposed regulations until August 4, 2023. Comments can be addressed to the EPA's Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division or the Registration Division, as mentioned in the official document. Interested parties can refer to the full text of the document here for further details.

It is important for stakeholders and the public to keep an eye on developments in this matter, as the proposed regulations may have significant implications for food safety and trade.