Pesticide Tolerance Levels for Pyroxasulfone

Summary

This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of pyroxasulfone in or on the nut, tree, group 14-12; the fruit, small, vine climbing, except fuzzy kiwifruit, subgroup 13-07F; and almond hulls. K-I Chemical U.S.A., Inc. requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).

Compliance Requirements

1. #1

   Establish tolerances for residues of pyroxasulfone in or on nut, tree, group 14-12 at 0.07 parts per million (ppm); fruit, small, vine climbing, except fuzzy kiwifruit, subgroup 13-07F at 0.07 ppm; and almond, hulls at 0.15 ppm; File objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before [INSERT DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER]; File objections and hearing requests in accordance with instructions provided in 40 CFR part 178; Identify docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2024-0212 in the subject line on the first page of submission; All objections and requests for a hearing must be in writing and must be received by the Hearing Clerk; Submit a copy of the filing (excluding any Confidential Business Information) for inclusion in the public docket at https://www.regulations.gov; Do not submit electronically any information you consider to be CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute; Comply with tolerance levels: nut, tree, group 14-12 at 0.07 ppm; fruit, small, vine climbing, except fuzzy kiwifruit, subgroup 13-07F at 0.07 ppm; almond, hulls at 0.15 ppm

   Deadline: Effective upon publication in the Federal Register (07/29/2025)

Market Impacts

• Establishes new market access for pyroxasulfone pesticide use on tree nuts (group 14-12), small vine climbing fruits (subgroup 13-07F excluding fuzzy kiwifruit), and almond hulls with specific residue tolerance levels; Codex Alimentarius Commission has not established maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pyroxasulfone on any of the petitioned commodities, potentially creating trade barriers for U.S. agricultural exports to countries that follow Codex standards; Mandatory compliance with new tolerance levels: 0.07 ppm for tree nuts group 14-12 and small vine climbing fruits subgroup 13-07F, and 0.15 ppm for almond hulls

Action Items

1. Update pesticide application protocols

   Modify pyroxasulfone application procedures to ensure residue levels do not exceed 0.07 ppm for tree nuts and small vine climbing fruits, and 0.15 ppm for almond hulls

2. Implement residue testing program

   Establish regular testing of pyroxasulfone residues on nut, tree group 14-12; fruit, small vine climbing subgroup 13-07F; and almond hulls to verify compliance with new tolerance limits

3. Train agricultural staff

   Provide training to pesticide applicators and farm workers on proper pyroxasulfone application rates and timing for the newly approved commodities

4. Update quality control procedures

   Revise food safety and quality control protocols to include monitoring for pyroxasulfone residues at the specified tolerance levels in affected commodities

5. File objections if applicable

   Submit written objections or hearing requests to EPA Hearing Clerk by the deadline (60 days after 07/29/2025) if contesting any aspect of this regulation, following 40 CFR part 178 procedures

Estimated Monetary Impact

Basis: The regulation establishes pesticide residue tolerances for pyroxasulfone on specific agricultural commodities but contains no explicit monetary requirements, costs, penalties, or economic impacts. It explicitly states no information collection burden under PRA, no unfunded mandates under UMRA, and no significant economic effects. No dollar amounts, cost estimates, or financial requirements are mentioned in the document.Confidence: 20%

Validated Company Impacts