Withdrawal of plant protection products combining glyphosate and POE-tallowamine from the French market

In its opinion published on 12 February 2016 on the dangers of glyphosate for human health, ANSES had identified an issue of concern regarding the combination of co-formulants, particularly POE-tallowamine, with the active substance in preparations containing glyphosate. Following this opinion, it undertook an assessment of the risks associated with the co-formulants found in plant protection preparations, particularly in those containing glyphosate. It also immediately began re-examining the marketing authorisations for preparations combining glyphosate with POE-tallowamine.

The absence of harmful effects on health and the environment is one of the conditions laid down in the European Regulation (Article 29) for the authorisation of plant protection products. As unacceptable risks, mainly to human health, cannot be ruled out for these products, the conditions laid down in Article 29 of the European regulation are not verified.

As provided for in the European procedure, in April 2016, ANSES informed holders of marketing authorisations for glyphosate-based products containing POE-tallowamine of its intention to withdraw them from the market.

At the end of the adversarial procedure period, and after having examined the observations of the MA holders, the Agency is today withdrawing marketing authorisations for 132 products from the French market.