EU Chemical Firms Expand Exports of Banned ‘Toxic’ Pesticides, Despite Pledge to End Practice
Rising Exports Despite Promises
European chemical corporations are exporting ever-greater quantities of pesticides considered too hazardous for use on EU farms, according to newly released documents. The revelations raise questions about the bloc’s commitment to end what campaigners call a “toxic trade” and an “unethical double standard.”
Export notifications show that shipments of domestically banned pesticides increased from 81,600 tonnes in 2018 to 122,000 tonnes in 2024. These figures, obtained through freedom of information requests by Unearthed, Greenpeace’s investigative newsroom, and the Swiss nonprofit Public Eye, do not represent final volumes shipped but remain the best available record of the trade.
The documents are part of the “prior informed consent” system, designed to notify importing countries of the hazards associated with chemicals entering their markets.
Warnings from Experts
Critics say the European Commission has bowed to industry pressure.
Angeliki Lysimachou, a toxicologist at Pesticide Action Network Europe, condemned the delays in action:
“Every additional delay is not just negligence, it is a betrayal of human and environmental rights. The commission must act urgently to end this unethical double standard.”
A Global Leader Falling Behind?
The EU has historically led global efforts to restrict dangerous agricultural chemicals due to their impacts on human health and ecosystems — from reduced fertility to mass bee deaths. While dozens of pesticides have been banned for domestic use, exports of those same substances have continued, even to countries with fewer protections.
In 2020, the Commission pledged that under its chemicals strategy it would “lead by example” and stop production of banned substances for export. Yet five years on, the opposite trend has emerged, with volumes rising as the banned list has grown. Substances such as glufosinate and mancozeb — classified in the EU as toxic for reproduction — continue to be shipped abroad.
Major Exporters and Destinations
Germany was the largest exporter of banned pesticides in 2024, followed by Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands and Bulgaria. France, despite introducing a national ban, remained the seventh-largest exporter due to a loophole that allowed companies to continue shipments until it closes.
Most pesticides are destined for low- and middle-income countries, but the United States remains the single largest importer. Campaigners warn that residues from these chemicals may re-enter the EU on imported food products.
Real-World Consequences
Past reporting has revealed the human toll of this trade. In Brazil, EU-made pesticides were sprayed on sugarcane farms supplying multinationals like Nestlé. In Costa Rica, communities complained of “unbearable” smells and widespread health problems as planes sprayed chemicals over banana and pineapple plantations.
Commission and Industry Responses
A European Commission spokesperson said the institution “shares concerns” and has launched consultations and studies to examine legal options.
“Ensuring a high level of protection for people and the environment, both within the EU and globally, is paramount,” the spokesperson said.
Companies offered mixed responses:
Bayer insisted its products are safe when used correctly and noted that many other countries, including the US and Japan, authorize the same substances.
Syngenta emphasized compliance with EU rules and argued that banning exports risks fueling counterfeit pesticides with even greater risks.
BASF, Teleos, and Agria did not respond, while Corteva declined to comment.
Campaigners Demand Action
Lis Cunha of Greenpeace called the rise in exports “reprehensible and deeply hypocritical”:
“It’s outrageous that the profits of the European chemicals industry should take precedence over the health and environment of people in poorer nations.”
Campaigners urge the EU to honour its 2020 pledge by banning the production and export of pesticides outlawed in Europe, and to prevent their residues from re-entering the bloc through food imports.
Sources & Further Reading
PAN Europe – Press release: EU should keep its promise and end toxic trade of banned pesticides
Joint NGO Statement – The EU must end toxic trade of banned pesticides (2025)
European Commission – Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (2020)
