PFAS in Plant Protection Products: Latest Regulatory Developments and Perspectives
- Rim Kaidi
- Oct 13
- 2 min read
PFAS at the Heart of Regulatory Concerns
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are receiving increasing attention from European authorities due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. In this context, the Plant Protection Products (PPP) sector is now under closer scrutiny following the publication of the ECHA Annex XV restriction report.
According to this report, active substances used in PPPs, biocidal products, and medicinal products differ chemically from other PFAS subgroups due to the presence of one or more CF₃ groups, a key molecular signature for understanding their environmental behavior.
Key Figures from ECHA and the EU Pesticide Database
While the PPP sector represents only 2% of total PFAS sales within the EU, it remains a major regulatory focus.
Based on data from the European Pesticide Database, 89 molecules contain at least one CF₃ group:
57 have already expired and are no longer in use
1 is currently under evaluation for first approval
25 are undergoing renewal procedures
6 are scheduled for future renewal
In addition, Annex A (v2 – 2023) lists 47 PFAS-based active substances used in PPPs (non-exhaustive list), all requiring further assessment and regular updates.
Trifluoroacetic Acid (TFA): A Key Regulatory Issue
Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) can form in soil, water, and plants from the degradation of molecules containing CF₃ groups. Persistent and toxicologically relevant, TFA has now come under close examination by European authorities.
Some active substances in PPPs degrade into TFA, potentially impacting renewal timelines or leading to stricter re-evaluations.
What to Expect in 2025: EFSA Task Force Dedicated to TFA
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established a dedicated working group to revise the toxicological reference values for TFA.
Two initial meetings took place in November 2024 and February 2025, focusing on:
Reviewing TFA data submitted by EU notifiers (in vivo and in vitro studies)
Proposing updated reference values
Coordinating with ECHA’s Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) and the German competent authority
Additional meetings are planned throughout 2025, with an official EFSA statement expected by year-end, which could reshape evaluation and renewal strategies across the sector.
CEHTRA’s Support
CEHTRA’s experts assist companies in ensuring regulatory compliance regarding PFAS, helping them to: Interpret ECHA reports and data, Assess degradation pathways, including those leading to TFA, Anticipate regulatory impacts on their active substances and product portfolios
Contact our Plant Protection expert, Estelle Beltran, for a tailored assessment and proactive strategy ahead of upcoming regulatory changes.
Coming Next
This article opens a dedicated series on PFAS regulatory developments in plant protection and biocidal products.With every EFSA/ECHA meeting or key regulatory milestone (2025–2026), CEHTRA will publish a concise and actionable update to help industry stakeholders stay informed and compliant.
