Canada proposes new residue limits for key fungicides

Canada is preparing to overhaul how it sets residue limits for EBDC fungicides, including widely used substances such as mancozeb, in a move that could tighten compliance requirements for fresh produce exporters.

According to a USDA GAIN report, the proposal introduces updated maximum residue limits while removing a number of existing ones, pointing to a more targeted and restrictive approach by crop.

From grouped substances to single active focus

A key shift is the decision to stop regulating EBDC fungicides as a group. Instead, Canada plans to define limits specifically for mancozeb, with residues measured as carbon disulfide (CS₂).

In practice, this changes how residues are assessed at border and laboratory level, pushing exporters to align directly with mancozeb-based applications rather than relying on broader group tolerances.

Lower default limits where MRLs are removed

For a number of crops, existing MRLs are set to be withdrawn. In those cases, a default limit of 0.1 ppm would apply.

This effectively tightens the threshold for residues, particularly for products that previously operated under higher or more flexible limits.

Wide relevance across fruit and vegetable categories

The proposal covers a range of crops commonly treated with EBDC fungicides, including apples, grapes, tomatoes, cucumbers and onions — all key categories in both domestic supply and international trade flows.

For exporters, this means potential adjustments to crop protection programmes, pre-harvest intervals and residue monitoring practices.

Trade and compliance implications

Changes to MRLs are a critical factor in market access. Any misalignment between Canada’s limits and those of other major markets, such as the United States or Codex standards, can increase the risk of shipment rejections or additional compliance costs.

The shift towards stricter or newly defined limits may therefore require exporters to review their spray regimes and ensure that residue levels remain within the updated thresholds before entering the Canadian market.

Consultation open

The proposal is currently open for stakeholder consultation, giving industry participants a window to assess the impact and submit feedback before the measures are finalised.

For fresh produce exporters, the development signals a clear direction: tighter residue controls and more precise regulatory definitions, with direct implications for how fruit and vegetables are produced, treated and traded into Canada.

Read the full report here.

source and graphics: usda.gov