EU Formally Adds Chlorpyrifos to POPs Regulation Controls

On September 10, 2026, the Official Journal of the European Union published Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1423, announcing amendments to the EU Persistent Organic Pollutants Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2019/1021, hereinafter referred to as the POPs Regulation), adding the insecticide chlorpyrifos (CAS No. 2921-88-2; EC No. 220-864-4) to the control list in Annex I. The regulation will officially enter into force on September 30, 2026.

Background

Chlorpyrifos was once widely used for agricultural pest control. However, due to concerns over its environmental persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and neurotoxicity, controls on this substance have been progressively tightened worldwide in recent years. This amendment stems from the latest decision of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. From April 28 to May 9, 2025, the twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention adopted a decision to list chlorpyrifos in Annex A to the Convention. The EU endorsed this decision in Council Decision (EU) 2025/868 and has now completed its transposition into EU internal law.

Key Control Measures

1. Listing under controls: Chlorpyrifos is added to Part A of Annex I to the POPs Regulation.
2. No specific exemptions: Since chlorpyrifos is not approved in the EU as an active substance in plant protection products or biocidal products, no specific exemptions are granted.
3. Concentration limit: To strengthen enforcement, when chlorpyrifos is present as an unintentional trace contaminant in substances, mixtures, or articles, the concentration limit is set at: ≤ 0.01 mg/kg (i.e., 0.000001% by weight).

Companies concerned need to conduct residue screening and compliance verification on raw materials, finished products, and their supply chains. In particular, imported chemicals, mixtures, and various articles that may introduce trace amounts of chlorpyrifos could face market access, recall, or enforcement risks if the above limit is exceeded.

Why Choose CIRS

CIRS Group is a leading provider of comprehensive regulatory compliance services and solutions for chemicals, cosmetics, food and food-related products, agrochemicals, and medical devices. Its chemical team consists of experts with extensive knowledge in chemistry, toxicology, environmental science, and related fields. They are well-versed in various international regulations, including but not limited to CSCL, EU REACH, CLP, GHS, TSCA, and K-REACH. 

CIRS operates a subsidiary in the European Union. By leveraging the expertise of CIRS EU and the international team, CIRS can provide enterprises with various chemical services in the EU, including but not limited to:

• EU REACH Registration (including OR services);
• EU REACH Evaluation Compliance Services;
• SVHC Testing;
• PPWR Compliance Services;
• EU CLP Compliance;
• EU Poison Center Notification;  
• EU BPR Compliance;
• EU PoPs Compliance;
• PFAS Testing
• Global GHS compliance

If you need any assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with us via service@cirs-group.com.

Further information

OJ