Rules within the EU prohibit the use of certain pesticides deemed harmful. At the same time, European legislation permits these substances to be produced and exported to countries outside the Union. As a result, products banned in Europe end up being used on fields in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
Official documents reveal that EU countries approved nearly 122,000 tons of such banned pesticides for export in 2024. This marks a significant increase compared to previous years. Companies are required to submit special export notifications, but ultimate oversight of trade volume remains limited.
The increase is related to the fact that the EU has added more substances to the banned list in recent years. While their use in domestic agriculture became impossible, factories have continued to produce the same products for foreign markets. Consequently, exports have grown mechanically in line with the expanding list of banned substances.
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Environmental organizations have long criticized this practice sharply. They describe it as double standards: dangerous chemicals are banned for European consumers but are exported without objection to countries that often have weaker regulations and lower protection standards for farmers and residents.
The European Commission acknowledged in earlier policy documents that this situation conflicts with the ambition of a pesticide-free environment. Multiple promises were made that Brussels would propose an export ban. However, no such proposal has yet been submitted.
According to the organizations, the powerful agrochemical lobby plays a role in delaying measures. Additionally, several EU countries have not hurried the implementation of stricter rules themselves, leaving companies still room to continue production and export.