Ctgb to Re-evaluate Products Containing PFAS

Ctgb to Reassess PFAS-Containing Plant Protection Products

The Dutch Board for the Authorisation of Plant Protection Products and Biocides (Ctgb) will conduct an interim reassessment of 46 plant protection products containing PFAS. This decision was taken during the Board’s December meeting. The decision follows earlier research conducted in Denmark, which showed that several PFAS substances used in plant protection products degrade into TFA (trifluoroacetic acid), a breakdown product that can readily reach groundwater.

National Approach

In the interest of protecting groundwater quality, the Ctgb wants to take action as quickly as possible. The Ctgb has assessed the Danish data for its reliability and relevance to the Dutch situation. Due to differences in national assessment criteria and groundwater models, country-specific calculations are required to determine whether the products concerned also lead to exceedances of groundwater standards in the Netherlands. If so, the products would no longer meet the authorisation criteria.

For the reassessment, the Ctgb will use the new data on TFA formation together with the Dutch groundwater model. The review will cover all authorised products containing the active substances fluopyram, fluazinam, diflufenican, mefentrifluconazole, tau-fluvalinate and fluazifop-P-butyl. In addition to products that are already authorised, all new applications and ongoing evaluations involving these active substances will also be assessed for TFA formation.

Risk to Drinking Water Quality

TFA is highly persistent, degrades only minimally, and is very mobile in the environment, allowing it to accumulate in groundwater. At present, TFA does not pose a health risk, as exposure through drinking water remains well below the acceptable daily intake. However, increasing concentrations of TFA in the future could have consequences for groundwater quality and, consequently, drinking water quality.

Europe

The Ctgb has previously called for an accelerated reassessment of these substances at the European level. However, the Board does not consider it responsible to wait for the regular European review process, as this is not expected to progress quickly enough. Like other European countries that have opted for reassessment—namely Norway and Sweden—the Ctgb aims to complete all decisions by 30 April 2028 at the latest.

Advice to the Minister

The Ctgb recognises that this decision may have significant consequences for the availability of plant protection products in agriculture. In addition, it is expected that active substances that generate TFA may eventually no longer receive approval in Europe.

The Ctgb therefore advises the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) to further investigate the potential consequences for the agricultural sector. Particular attention should be paid to identifying alternatives for products that may no longer be available in the future.