Status of 1,3-Dichloropropene soil fumigant

UK - March 01, 2009

Dow AgroSciences, remain fully committed to 1,3-Dichloropropene despite the popular soil fumiant being non-included in Annex 1 of Directive 91/414/EC in September 2007.  As recognised by the EU and Member States at the time, the unprecedented demand fo this product from EU growers given its critical role in EU agriculture, particularly as an alternative to methyl bromide, meant the product could be approved for EU sales until 20 March 2009.

The non-inclusion decision envisaged the possibility of setting a second 18 mnth grace period.  Despite the srtrong ongoing need for 1,3-D and the role the product has played in allowing growers to phase-out the use of methyl bromide, the extended period of grace has not been granted.

Dow AgroSciences are following an aggressive resubmission process to ensure the product will be re-registered without delay.  A robust technical dossier with additional studies addressing the original concerns has been resubmitted to the Spanish government for assessment.   According to the current timetable for re-approval foreseen by EU rules we anticipate that the product will be granted Annex 1 Inclusion by the end of 2009 or early 2010.

The European Commission has stated that Member States can authorise the availability of 1,3-D for 120 day periods to address immediate agronomic needs.

If you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact our Technical Hotline: 0800 689 8899.