Glyphosate's specifications in the EU may change

Glyphosate is currently the most widely used herbicide in the world, and its ongoing pesticide reassessment in the EU has attracted widespread attention from pesticide companies and related interest groups around the world.

Regarding the re-evaluation results that are expected to be announced next year, in addition to whether it will be banned and restricted in the EU, there is also a point that has also attracted attention-if it is approved to continue to be used in the EU, what will glyphosate eventually do? The specifications have passed the re-review, are they consistent with the current specifications?

The public comment on the EU glyphosate re-assessment report started on September 23 this year and ended on schedule at the end of last month. During the period, the European Union released the latest evaluation report completed by the glyphosate working group and reviewed by ECHA and EFSA through official channels.

Although the content of the current evaluation report does not represent the final conclusion, clues about the evaluation results of glyphosate were found in the report.

According to the latest evaluation report, the specifications of glyphosate in the EU are likely to change. The changes are mainly focused on related impurities. Two new toxicological related impurities-formic acid and triethylamine have been added. The content of Glyphosate technical drug must be less than 4 g/kg and 2 g/kg respectively. There are no changes to the active substance specifications and the existing limits of the two related impurities.

1 Specifications in the latest evaluation report

Active substance ≥950 g/kg; Formaldehyde (Formaldehyde) <1 g/kg

Glyphosate-N-nitroso monosodium salt (N-Nitroso-glyphosate, NNG) <1 mg/kg;

 (Newly added) Formic acid <4 g/kg;

(Newly added) Triethylamine is less than 2 g/kg;