Analysis of neonicotinoids

Import tolerances for thiacloprid repealed

The approval of the active ingredient thiacloprid was revoked on 3 August 2020, with the use-up period for formulations containing thiacloprid ending on 3 February 2021. Since then, the use of thiacloprid as an insecticide has no longer been permitted in the EU. However, import tolerances for thiacloprid remained in place for numerous products for a long time, some of which were significantly higher than the product-specific technical quantification limits.

The European Commission's proposal to extend the thiacloprid import tolerances (COM(2023)0739 – 2023/3005(RPS))^[1] was rejected by the European Parliament's Environment Committee with reference to the potentially harmful effects of thiacloprid on human health and its toxic effect on aquatic organisms and pollinating insects^[2].

Regulation (EU) 2024/2711 abolished all import tolerances and lowered the MRLs for all products to their respective product-specific technical detection limits. These new MRLs are applicable since 12 May 2025. Products placed on the EU market before 12 May 2025 are exempt, except for pears, peaches, raspberries, peppers, Chinese cabbage, and lettuce.

New maximum residue levels for acetamiprid

As part of its re-evaluation of the active substance acetamiprid, EFSA lowered the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) from 0.025 to 0.005 mg/kg body weight per day, and the Acute Reference Dose (ARfD) from 0.025 to 0.005 mg/kg body weight in December 2024^[3].

This change was based on new scientific findings indicating that acetamiprid can have harmful effects on the development of the human brain and nervous system. However, there was still uncertainty regarding the evidence for the developmental neurotoxicological properties of acetamiprid. EFSA pointed out that further data was needed to enable an adequate hazard and risk assessment^[4].

EFSA found that reducing the ARfD lead to exhaustion exceeding 100% for many products, even when the MRLs were adhered to. This means that consuming any of the products in question would result in the intake of quantities of acetamiprid that could cause health problems in particularly vulnerable groups.

As a result, new, partially significantly reduced MRLs were published in January 2025 for 38 products under Regulation (EU) 2025/158. Among others, products from the product groups pome fruit, stone fruit, berries and small fruit, fruit vegetables, cabbage vegetables, and leafy vegetables were affected.

On 19 August 2025, Regulation (EU) 2025/1212 introduced new, higher MRLs for plums, linseed, poppy seeds, mustard seeds, gold of pleasure seeds, honey, and other apiculture products. The European Commission thus complied with member requests to increase the MRLs in these products. These requests were granted following an assessment by the EFSA with regard to consumer safety^[5].

Reduction of maximum residue levels for thiamethoxam and clothianidin

According to Regulation (EU) 2023/334 the MRLs for the active substances thiamethoxam and clothianidin are reduced to the product-specific technical quantification limits. These MRLs will apply from 7 March 2026. Products manufactured in the EU or imported into the EU before this date are exempt.

We support you in the analysis of neonicotinoids

Neonicotinoids such as imidacloprid, acetamiprid and thiacloprid are determined by LC-MS/MS as standard. The Eurofins Food & Feed Testing laboratories in Germany offer you the analysis of neonicotinoids in almost every LC-MS/MS pesticide screening or in every screening package that includes a liquid chromatographic test. We support you in the analysis of neonicotinoids in a wide range of products.