Import bans due to pesticide residues: France and Poland tighten import rules
National measures pose challenges for fruit importers, retailers, and organic suppliers
April 2026. As of 8 January 2026, France has imposed an import ban on certain foodstuffs from third countries. The ban applies when residues of EU‑prohibited plant protection active substances exceed the threshold values defined by the country of origin.
Poland is now planning a similar ban, which will include even more far-reaching requirements. For importers, this would effectively result in a “zero‑tolerance” approach for specific residues.
France's national safeguard measure
Based on Article 53 of EU Regulation (EC) No 178/2002, France has adopted a one‑year import ban for plant-based foodstuffs containing residues of the following active substances:
| Active substance | Threshold value | Affected products (examples) |
| Carbendazim, Benomyl | 0.01 mg/kg | e.g., citrus fruits, stone fruit, grapes, mango |
| Thiophanat-methyl | 0.01 mg/kg | e.g., melons, cereals, various vegetables |
| Glufosinate | 0.063 mg/kg (sum of glufosinate, N‑acetyl glufosinate and MPPA) | potatoes only |
| Mancozeb | 0.02 mg/kg | e.g., berries, peppers, cucurbits, leafy vegetables |
Please note:
- Bananas are exempt from the measure.
- A transitional arrangement applies to products that were imported or purchased before 8 February 2026.
- The measure will expire automatically after one year or sooner if a regulation is introduced at EU level.
Poland’s planned unilateral approach
Poland intends to implement a similar import ban. While the affected crops for carbendazim, benomyl, and thiophanate‑methyl largely correspond to the French scope, the Polish draft covers a significantly broader range for glufosinate – including papaya, tomatoes, legumes, and cereals. Mancozeb is currently not included in the Polish national draft regulation.
Implications for trade
These national special rules contribute to a fragmentation of the EU internal market. Products that are marketable at EU level may nevertheless be rejected in individual Member States. For importers and traders, it increases the risk of delivery delays and economic losses.
Analytical testing as the key to compliance and supply security
The Eurofins Food & Feed Testing laboratories in Germany support you with state‑of‑the‑art pesticide residue analysis. Our accredited multi‑residue methods cover all relevant active substances with limits of detection ≤ 0.01 mg/kg – exactly at the required level. This helps you safeguard your ability to deliver and comply with both national and European requirements.
Get in touch
Would you like to find out more about our testing solutions, or do you need tailored analytical support? Contact us today to get in touch with our experts.
References
[1] Official Journal of the Republic of France: Order of 5 January 2026 suspending the import, introduction, and sale in France of foodstuffs originating from countries outside the European Union that contain residues of certain prohibited plant protection product active substances. (in French)
[2] European Commission - Summary Report: 20 January 2026 - Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed - Section Phytopharmaceuticals-Pesticide Residues
[3] German Fruit Trade Association (Deutscher Fruchthandelsverband (DFHV) in German); QM-Information 06/2026
Geschrieben von:
Kai Lenz und Ayman Farhod Naeem
Eurofins Dr. Specht Express Testing & Inspection GmbH