The European Commission has confirmed its decision to withdraw the approval of herbicide diquat.

Following the Appeal Committee meeting on 12 July 2018, in which no opinion was reached regarding a proposal from the European Commission to withdraw the approval of diquat, the European Commission has decided to implement its proposal not to renew its approval in the EU.

This decision applies to all products containing diquat, and was based on concerns related to the precautionary principle of exposure of bystanders and residents, as well as birds.

The European Commission has proposed that diquat is withdrawn from the market by 4 May 2019, with a use-up period for growers up to 4 February 2020.

Source: EUR-Lex