Japan and Brazil adjust many pesticide residue levels
Import-Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade) has just informed provincial Departments of Industry and Trade and agricultural and food industry associations about announcements related to food safety and animal and plant quarantine measures (SPS) of World Trade Organization (WTO) members in the second half of July 2026. These are changes that businesses need to monitor to proactively plan their production and export.
Notably, Japan has 8 announcements related to revising maximum residue levels (MRL) for pesticides in food and animal feed.
In particular, in announcement G/SPS/N/JPN/1419, Japan proposed revising MRL for active ingredient tetraniliprole. According to draft, MRL for kale, tomatoes and apricots is proposed to be reduced; while MRL for bok choy, tangerines, cherries, some vegetables and fruits and animal-derived products will be increased or new regulations will be introduced.
Other announcements from Japan mention draft revisions to the MRL for prosulfocarb, mepronil, carbaryl, triforine, kasugamycin, acephate and phenthoate on various agricultural products, spices and animal feed.
Brazil also saw a significant number of notifications, with 17 notifications, including 13 drafts and 4 effective regulations, related to updates to monographs on plant protection active ingredients and phytosanitary requirements.
Specifically, notification G/SPS/N/BRA/2513 proposes amendments to 44 monographs in the catalog of monographs on plant protection active ingredients, biocides used in hygiene and wood preservatives. The adjustments relate to MRLs and withdrawal periods for several active ingredients such as azoxystrobin, bentazone, bifenthrin, chlormequat, glyphosate and mancozeb.
Meanwhile, notification G/SPS/N/BRA/2318/Add.1 introduces phytosanitary requirements for import of peony rhizomes, requiring a certificate of freedom from Agrotis segetum contamination and compliance with relevant analysis and treatment conditions.
Businesses need to proactively monitor requirements in each market.
Not only Japan and Brazil, but many other import and export markets are also making significant adjustments to SPS.
In EU, announcements focus on requirements for importing animals and licensing animal feed additives. Specifically, Regulation 2026/1052 amends requirements for entry into, movement and handling of consignments of animals, reproductive products and products of animal origin into the EU; it also includes adjustments related to gelatin, collagen, and risk management conditions for milk and egg products.
The United States has announcements related to food additives, animal feed additives and pesticide MRLs. Notably, the country has abolished and proposed discontinuation of use of certain food colorings, including Citrus Red No. 2 on ripe orange peels and Orange B on sausage casings.
Israel has notifications related to food contact materials, food additives and pesticide MRLs. Specifically, two notifications, G/SPS/N/ISR/16 and G/SPS/N/ISR/17, apply amendments to plastic materials and products in contact with food based on new EU regulations, notably the general ban on Bisphenol A (BPA) and mechanism for controlling risky substitutes.
Canada also has content related to animal feed, food contaminants and pesticide MRLs; while Morocco has four drafts related to food safety and hygiene regulations for product groups such as sauces, fruit jams, spices, dried herbs and wine production and trade.
In Chile, notifications focus on veterinary hygiene and phytosanitary requirements. Specifically, draft regulations on import of chilled and frozen pork set requirements for countries of origin regarding foot-and-mouth disease, African swine fever, Trichinella parasite control and traceability.
Given these changes, Import-Export Department requests relevant agencies to disseminate information to businesses and associations so they can proactively develop appropriate business plans.
For announcements still in the draft stage, enterprises can send comments to Vietnam SPS Office and the Import-Export Department at least 5 days before the deadline for receiving comments on each announcement.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn