Last updated on October 1, 2025
The European Commission and Member States have progressively restricted the outdoor use of several neonicotinoid active substances due to risks to bees and pollinators; the EU’s pesticide regulatory framework (evaluations by EFSA and Commission decisions) currently prohibits or severely restricts many neonicotinoids for outdoor agricultural uses while allowing tightly‑controlled, limited exceptions for protected uses where no alternatives exist and residue risk mitigation is assured. Importation of treated seeds and sale of products containing banned substances are controlled at the member‑state level and subject to enforcement by national pesticide authorities; suppliers and farmers must check the current EU pesticide approvals list before purchasing or using any neonicotinoid product. Violations can lead to market withdrawal, fines and criminal sanctions.
https://ec.europa.eu/food/plants/pesticides_en
9/27/2024