New procedures for establishing EC Maximum Residue Levels and Import Tolerances
Regulatory Update: 14/2009
Issued: 08 April 2009
Harmonised EC Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) and Import Tolerances are set by Regulation 396/2005, which came into force in September 2008. New procedures laid down by the Regulation require an appropriate MRL to be established before an authorisation can be given, or before treated commodities can be imported. Therefore, if an appropriate MRL is not already set in the Regulation, an application for a new or amended MRL must be made.
CRD’s existing procedures for processing applications for authorisations will also propose changes to the relevant EC MRL, if required. However, even a routine application will take approximately 9 months from CRD’s submission of the MRL proposal to the Commission until any new MRL enters into force. Hence, there could be a significant delay in issuing the authorisation. To reduce this delay, CRD are introducing the option of applying for an MRL in advance of the relevant application for authorisation, subject to availability of the relevant supporting information.
CRD has successfully operated an application procedure for Import Tolerances since 2003. Following the success of this system and due to the new requirements under Regulation 396/2005, we have now modified and expanded these procedures so that we can evaluate any application for a new or amended EC MRL or import tolerance set by Regulation 396/2005.
Revised applicant guidelines for making an application to change an EC MRL or import tolerance can be found at the following link: The Applicant Guide: Maximum Residue Levels and Import Tolerances