France to Suspend Food Imports With Residues of EU‑Banned Pesticides

Overview

• Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the measure on Jan. 4, targeting residues of mancozeb, glufosinate, thiophanate‑methyl and carbendazim.
• The Agriculture Ministry said the decree will be published on Tuesday, Jan. 6.
• France must obtain European Commission sign‑off within roughly 10 days, and Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard will seek approval in Brussels on Jan. 7.
• Authorities plan a specialized inspection brigade and reinforced checks, and listed affected goods such as avocados, mangoes, guavas, citrus, grapes, apples, melons, cherries, strawberries, potatoes and honey.
• The announcement follows farmer protests and pressure linked to the EU–Mercosur trade deal, whose signing was delayed to January after political resistance.