Diquat dates for sale and use up confirmed
The EU Commission has confirmed its decision to withdraw the approval of diquat, the active ingredient in Reglone and Retro.
Final date for order and delivery of diquat containing products onto farm: | Final date for use up or authorised disposal of diquat containing products: |
4 May 2019 | 4 February 2020 |
In October 2018, The European Commission 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.
In the UK, the Chemicals Regulation Division of the Health and Safety Executive has confirmed the European Commission proposal that sales of diquat products are withdrawn from the market by 4 May 2019, with a use-up period for growers up to 4 February 2020.
Syngenta UK Potato Manager, Mark Britton, explained: “with this in mind, growers should ensure they only order and take delivery of what they believe they will use before end of 4 Feb 2020, to avoid incurring disposal costs for unused product.
"The 2019 growing crop will also provide the opportunity to trial alternative desiccation and weed control options on farm, before the 2020 season when diquat can no longer be applied to crops,” he added.
