CHAPTER V OFFICIAL CONTROLS, REPORTS AND SANCTIONS

SECTION 1 Official controls of MRLs

Article 26 Official controls
1. Each competent authority shall carry out official controls on pesticide residues in order to enforce compliance with this Regulation, in accordance with the relevant provisions of assimilated law relating to official controls for food and feed.
Words in Art. 26(1) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(2)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Word in Art. 26(1) substituted (27.2.2025) by The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/82), reg. 1(2), Sch. 15 para. 72
2. Such controls on pesticide residues shall, in particular, consist of sampling and subsequent analysis of the samples and identification of the pesticides present and their respective residue levels. Such controls shall also be carried out at the point of supply to the consumer.

Article 27 Sampling
1. Each competent authority shall take a sufficient number and range of samples to ensure that the results are representative of the market, taking into account the results of previous control programmes. Such sampling shall be carried out as close to the point of supply as is reasonable, to allow for any subsequent enforcement action to be taken.
Words in Art. 27(1) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(3)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
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Deleted by Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2017 on official controls and other official activities performed to ensure the application of food and feed law, rules on animal health and welfare, plant health and plant protection products, amending Regulations (EC) No 999/2001, (EC) No 396/2005, (EC) No 1069/2009, (EC) No 1107/2009, (EU) No 1151/2012, (EU) No 652/2014, (EU) 2016/429 and (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Regulations (EC) No 1/2005 and (EC) No 1099/2009 and Council Directives 98/58/EC, 1999/74/EC, 2007/43/EC, 2008/119/EC and 2008/120/EC, and repealing Regulations (EC) No 854/2004 and (EC) No 882/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 89/608/EEC, 89/662/EEC, 90/425/EEC, 91/496/EEC, 96/23/EC, 96/93/EC and 97/78/EC and Council Decision 92/438/EEC (Official Controls Regulation) (Text with EEA relevance).

Article 28 Methods of analysis
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3. All laboratories analysing samples for the official controls on pesticide residues must—
(a) have regard to any relevant guidance;
(b) participate in any proficiency tests for pesticides organised by a competent authority.
Art. 28(3) substituted (31.12.2020) by S.I. 2019/557, reg. 7(4) (as substituted by The Pesticides (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1376), regs. 1(4), 6(5)(b))

SECTION 2 Great Britain control programme

Article 29 Great Britain control programme
1. The competent authorities may jointly prepare a coordinated multiannual Great Britain control programme, identifying specific samples to be included in the competent authority control programmes and taking into account problems that have been identified regarding compliance with the MRLs in relation to each constituent territory, with a view to assessing consumer exposure and the application of current legislation.
Words in Art. 29(1) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(6)(b)(i) (with Sch. 1 para. 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1376, regs. 1(4), 6(9)(e)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Art. 29(1) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(6)(b)(ii) (with Sch. 1 para. 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1376, regs. 1(4), 6(5)(c)(9)(e)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Art. 29(1) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(6)(b)(iii) (with Sch. 1 para. 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1376, regs. 1(4), 6(9)(e)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Art. 29(1) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(6)(b)(iv) (with Sch. 1 para. 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1376, regs. 1(4), 6(9)(e)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
2. The competent authorities must jointly publish a Great Britain control programme prepared in accordance with paragraph 1—
(a) in a manner which the competent authorities consider appropriate, and
(b) at least six months before the end of the calendar year before the first year covered by the control programme.
Art. 29(2) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(6)(c) (with Sch. 1 para. 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1376, regs. 1(4), 6(5)(c)(9)(e)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Art. 29 heading substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(6)(a) (with Sch. 1 para. 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1376, regs. 1(4), 6(5)(c)(9)(e)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Ch. 5 Section 2 heading substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(5) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1376, regs. 1(4), 6(5)(c)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

SECTION 3 Competent authority control programmes

Article 30 Competent authority control programmes for pesticide residues
1. Each competent authority must establish multiannual control programmes for pesticide residues in its constituent territory, and must update its multiannual programme every year.
Those programmes shall be risk-based and aimed in particular at assessing consumer exposure and compliance with current legislation. They shall specify at least the following:
(a) the products to be sampled;
(b) the number of samples to be taken and analyses to be carried out;
(c) the pesticides to be analysed;
(d) the criteria applied in drawing up such programmes, including:
(i) the pesticide-product combinations to be selected;
(ii) the number of samples taken for domestic and non-domestic products respectively;
(iii) consumption of the products as a share of the national diet;
(iv) any Great Britain control programme; and
Words in Art. 30(1)(d)(iv) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(8)(b)(ii) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1376, regs. 1(4), 6(5)(c)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
(v) the results of previous control programmes.
Words in Art. 30(1) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(8)(b)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
2. A competent authority must submit its proposed updated control programme to the other competent authorities at least three months before the end of each calendar year.
Art. 30(2) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(8)(c); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
3. Each competent authority shall participate in any Great Britain control programme as provided for in Article 29. Each competent authority shall, on an annual basis, publish all results of its residue monitoring on the Internet. Where MRLs are exceeded, a competent authority may name the retailers, traders or producers concerned.
Words in Art. 30(3) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(8)(d)(i)(aa); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Art. 30(3) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(8)(d)(i)(bb) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1376, regs. 1(4), 6(5)(c)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Art. 30(3) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(8)(d)(ii)(aa); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Word in Art. 30(3) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(8)(d)(ii)(bb); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Art. 30(3) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(8)(d)(iii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Art. 30 heading substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(8)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Ch. 5 Section 3 heading substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(7); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

SECTION 4 Information by the competent authorities and annual report

Article 31 Information by the competent authorities
1. Each competent authority shall submit the following information concerning the previous calendar year to the other competent authorities by 31 August each year:
(a) the results of the official controls provided for in Article 26(1) , and the results of the analysis of samples tested in accordance with the competent authority's control programme and any Great Britain control programme;
Words in Art. 31(1)(a) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(10)(b)(ii) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1376, regs. 1(4), 6(5)(c)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
(b) the LODs applied in the competent authority's control programme referred to in Article 30 and under any Great Britain control programme referred to in Article 29;
Words in Art. 31(1)(b) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(10)(b)(iii)(aa); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Art. 31(1)(b) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(10)(b)(iii)(bb) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1376, regs. 1(4), 6(5)(c)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
(c) details of the participation of the analytical laboratories in the ... proficiency tests referred to in Article 28(3) and other proficiency tests relevant to the pesticide-product combinations sampled in the competent authority's control programme;
Word in Art. 31(1)(c) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(10)(b)(iv)(aa); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Art. 31(1)(c) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(10)(b)(iv)(bb); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
(d) details of the accreditation status of the analytical laboratories involved in the controls referred to in point (a);
(e) where permitted by national legislation, details of enforcement measures taken.
Words in Art. 31(1) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(10)(b)(i)(aa); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Art. 31(1) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(10)(b)(i)(bb); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
2. The competent authorities may jointly issue guidance regarding the format and submission of information in accordance with paragraph 1.
Art. 31(2)-(4) substituted for Art. 31(2) (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(10)(c); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
(3. The competent authorities must jointly publish any guidance issued under paragraph 2 in a manner which the competent authorities consider appropriate.
(4. In submitting information in accordance with paragraph 1, a competent authority must have regard to any guidance issued under paragraph 2.
Words in Art. 31 heading substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(10)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Article 32 The Annual Report on Pesticide Residues
1. On the basis of the information provided ... under Article 31(1) the competent authorities must jointly draw up an Annual Report on pesticide residues.
Words in Art. 32(1) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(11)(a)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Art. 32(1) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(11)(a)(ii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
2. The competent authorities shall include information on at least the following in the Annual Report:
(a) an analysis of the results of the controls provided for in Article 26(2) , and of the results of the analysis of samples tested in accordance with each competent authority's control programme and any Great Britain control programme;
Words in Art. 32(2)(a) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(11)(b)(ii) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1376, regs. 1(4), 6(5)(d)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
(b) a statement of the possible reasons why any MRLs were exceeded, together with any appropriate observations regarding risk management options;
Word in Art. 32(2)(b) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(11)(b)(iii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
(c) an analysis of chronic and acute risks to the health of consumers from pesticide residues;
(d) an assessment of consumer exposure to pesticide residues based on the information provided under point (a) and any other relevant available information ....
Words in Art. 32(2)(d) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(11)(b)(iv); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Art. 32(2) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(11)(b)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
(2A. For the purpose of the first annual report under paragraph 1, paragraph 2(a) is to be read as if for “in accordance with each competent authority’s control programme and any Great Britain control programme” there were substituted “by the United Kingdom as an EU member State in accordance with Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/533 concerning a coordinated multiannual control programme of the Union for 2020, 2021 and 2022 to ensure compliance with maximum residue levels of pesticides and to assess the consumer exposure to pesticide residues in and on food of plant and animal origin as it had effect immediately before IP completion day
Art. 32(2A) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(11)(c) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1376, regs. 1(4), 6(5)(e)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
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Art. 32(3)-(6) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(11)(d); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
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7. The competent authorities must jointly publish the Annual Report by the 31st October of the second year following the year to which the information in the Annual Report relates.
Art. 32(7) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(11)(e); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Article 33 Submission of the Annual Report on Pesticide Residues to the Committee
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Art. 33 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(12); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Ch. 5 Section 4 heading substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(9); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

SECTION 5 Sanctions

Article 34 Sanctions
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Ch. 5 Section 5 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/557), regs. 1(1), 7(13); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)