Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/118
This regulation harmonizes the certification standards for inland waterway personnel across the EU. It specifies required competences, knowledge, and skills, as detailed in Annex I. Practical examination standards are defined in Annex II, while standards for simulator approvals are in Annex III. Medical fitness requirements are set out in Annex IV. This regulation replaces Delegated Directive (EU) 2020/12, incorporating updated standards from CESNI. Key areas include navigation, craft operation, cargo handling, marine engineering, communication, health, safety, and environmental protection.
Amendments to Implementing Regulations (EU) 2018/2019 & (EU) 2020/1213
These amendments update phytosanitary measures for importing certain plants from the United Kingdom, focusing on Berberis thunbergii and Alnus species (Alnus cordata, Alnus glutinosa, and Alnus incana). Berberis thunbergii plants from the UK or Turkey meeting specific criteria are excluded from the high-risk list. The regulation specifies conditions regarding age, size, and origin. Stricter measures address Phytophthora kernoviae for Berberis and Phytophthora siskiyouensis for Alnus. The amendments include detailed requirements for inspections, phytosanitary certificates, and registered production sites.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/141
This regulation cancels the EU authorization for the biocidal product ‘Nordkalk CL 90-Q’ at the request of the manufacturer, Nordkalk AS, due to commercial reasons. The authorization has been cancelled; Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1482 is repealed. ‘Nordkalk CL 90-Q’ can no longer be made available on the market after 12 August 2026, and existing stocks must not be used after 12 February 2027.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/142
This regulation mandates the registration of robot lawn mower imports from China. This registration is a preliminary step toward potentially imposing retroactive anti-dumping duties, pending an ongoing investigation into alleged dumping practices. Customs authorities must record imports of electric robot mowers capable of cutting grass without direct human control, along with their accessories, classified under CN code ex 8433 11 10 (TARIC code 8433 11 10 10). The registration requirement expires after nine months.
Regulation (EU) 2026/211
This regulation amends Regulation (EU) 2021/1755 concerning the Brexit Adjustment Reserve. It reduces the maximum resources allocated to the Reserve by EUR 584,264,090, originally planned for payment in 2025. This amount will not be disbursed. This reallocation addresses new geopolitical and economic challenges, including Russia’s war against Ukraine and the energy crisis.
Amendment to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 (Pesticide Residue Levels)
This regulation adjusts the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for benfluralin, benthiavalicarb, and penflufen in food and feed. MRLs for these substances are set at the limit of determination (LOD). The residue definition for benthiavalicarb is updated to include the sum of benthiavalicarb-isopropyl (KIF-230 R-L) and its enantiomer (KIF-230 S-D). These changes reflect the non-renewal of approvals for these substances.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/140
This regulation amends Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, adjusting maximum residue levels (MRLs) for acequinocyl, chlormequat, metalaxyl-M, pyraclostrobin, sulfoxaflor, and trifloxystrobin in various food and feed items. New MRLs are set for acequinocyl in strawberries, chlormequat in oats, metalaxyl-M in honey, pyraclostrobin in sweet corn, sulfoxaflor in leafy vegetables and herbs, and trifloxystrobin in table olives, linseeds, and herbal infusions.
Decision of the EU-Switzerland Joint Committee
This Decision updates the domestic reference prices for certain agricultural raw materials and adapts the basic amounts listed in Protocol 2 of the EU-Switzerland Agreement. These adjustments reflect price changes between September 2024 and August 2025. Updated values are crucial for determining price compensation measures applied to processed agricultural products traded between the EU and Switzerland.
Review of each of legal acts published today:
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/118 of 7 November 2025 supplementing Directive (EU) 2017/2397 of the European Parliament and of the Council by laying down standards for competences and corresponding knowledge and skills, for practical examinations, for the approval of simulators and for medical fitness and repealing Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2020/12
Here’s a breakdown of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/118:
**1. Essence of the Act:**
This regulation establishes harmonized standards for the certification of qualifications for individuals operating crafts on EU inland waterways. It outlines specific requirements for competences, knowledge, skills, practical examinations, simulator approvals, and medical fitness. The regulation aims to ensure safety, facilitate mobility, and protect human life and the environment in inland navigation. It repeals and replaces Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2020/12 to incorporate updated standards developed by the European Committee for Drawing up Standards in the Field of Inland Navigation (CESNI).
**2. Structure and Main Provisions:**
The regulation is structured around the following key areas:
* **Article 1 & Annex I:** Defines the standards for competences, knowledge, and skills required for inland navigation personnel. It specifies detailed competencies for both the operational and management levels, covering navigation, craft operation, cargo handling, marine engineering, communication, health, safety, and environmental protection.
* **Article 2 & Annex II:** Sets the standards for practical examinations to assess the competence of inland navigation personnel. It includes specific requirements for radar navigation, passenger navigation experts and LNG experts.
* **Article 3 & Annex III:** Establishes the standards for the approval of simulators used in the training and assessment of inland navigation personnel. It outlines technical and functional requirements for vessel handling and radar simulators.
* **Article 4 & Annex IV:** Defines the standards for medical fitness of inland navigation personnel. It specifies medical conditions that may affect a person’s ability to perform their duties safely and effectively.
* **Article 5:** Repeals Delegated Directive (EU) 2020/12.
* **Article 6:** Specifies the entry into force and application date of the regulation.
The regulation incorporates the European Standard for Qualifications in Inland Navigation 2024/1 (ES-QIN 2024/1), which includes updates to strengthen competences at the management level for navigation near sea-going ships, references to technical requirements for inland navigation vessels and River Information Services, and terminological clarifications.
**3. Main Provisions Important for Use:**
* **Competence Standards (Annex I):** This is a core element, detailing the specific skills and knowledge required for different roles (boatman, boatmaster) and specialized areas (e.g., LNG experts, passenger navigation). It’s crucial for training providers and individuals seeking certification to understand and meet these standards.
* **Practical Examination Standards (Annex II):** These standards outline how competence is to be assessed, including specific scenarios and technical requirements for examination vessels.
* **Medical Fitness Standards (Annex IV):** This annex provides detailed medical criteria that must be met to ensure the health and safety of personnel and the public. It includes specific conditions that may disqualify individuals or require restrictions.
* **Simulator Approval Standards (Annex III):** These standards are important for training institutions using simulators, ensuring that the equipment meets minimum technical and functional requirements for effective training and assessment.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/152 of 22 January 2026 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as regards certain plants for planting of Berberis thunbergii originating in the United Kingdom, and amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1213 as regards the phytosanitary measures for the introduction of those plants for planting into the Union territory and correcting Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1213 as regards certain plants for planting of Alnus cordata, Alnus glutinosa and Alnus incana originating in the United Kingdom
This regulation amends two existing regulations, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1213, concerning the import of certain plants for planting. The main goal is to update phytosanitary measures for plants originating from the United Kingdom, specifically Berberis thunbergii, Alnus cordata, Alnus glutinosa and Alnus incana, to ensure the protection of the Union territory from plant pests. The regulation adjusts the list of high-risk plants and specifies the phytosanitary requirements for importing these plants into the EU.
The regulation consists of three articles and two annexes. Article 1 amends Annex to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 by modifying the entry for Berberis L. to exclude certain Berberis thunbergii plants from the high-risk list if they meet specific conditions related to age, size, and origin in the United Kingdom or Turkey. Article 2 amends Annex to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1213 by replacing the entry for Alnus Mill. with a more specific one for Alnus cordata, Alnus glutinosa and Alnus incana, and by reordering the entries to ensure correct alphabetical order, specifically moving the entry for Cornus alba and Cornus sanguinea. Article 3 states that the regulation will come into force twenty days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Annex I details the changes to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 regarding Berberis L. Annex II details the amendments to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1213, including corrections to the Alnus entry and the reinsertion of the Cornus entry in the correct alphabetical order, along with specific measures for Berberis thunbergii and Cornus species.
The most important provisions for practical use are those concerning the specific requirements for importing Berberis thunbergii and Alnus species from the United Kingdom. For Berberis thunbergii, these include official statements regarding freedom from Phytophthora kernoviae, inspections of the production site, and measures to ensure tools and machinery are free from soil and plant debris. Additionally, phytosanitary certificates must include specific statements and the registered sites of production. For Alnus species, the regulation clarifies which plants are subject to measures related to Phytophthora siskiyouensis. These provisions are crucial for businesses involved in the import and export of these plants, as they must ensure compliance with these detailed phytosanitary requirements to avoid rejection of their consignments at the EU border.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/141 of 22 January 2026 cancelling the Union authorisation for the single biocidal product Nordkalk CL 90-Q in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1482
This Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/141 cancels the Union authorisation for the single biocidal product ‘Nordkalk CL 90-Q’, previously granted to Nordkalk AS. The cancellation was requested by Nordkalk AS due to commercial reasons related to the discontinuation of the product’s production. The Regulation also repeals the previous Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1482, which had originally authorised the biocidal product.
The Regulation consists of 4 articles. Article 1 cancels the Union authorisation for ‘Nordkalk CL 90-Q’. Article 2 repeals Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1482. Article 3 sets deadlines for the withdrawal of the product from the market and the cessation of its use. Article 4 specifies the date of entry into force of the Regulation. The main change is the cancellation of the authorisation, reversing the previous decision to allow the product on the market.
The most important provisions are those related to the deadlines for the withdrawal of the product from the market and the cessation of its use. Specifically, ‘Nordkalk CL 90-Q’ can no longer be made available on the market after 12 August 2026, and existing stocks must not be used after 12 February 2027. This provides a grace period for businesses and users to adjust to the absence of the product.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/142 of 22 January 2026 making imports of robot lawn mowers originating in the People’s Republic of China subject to registration with a view to allowing the levy of anti-dumping duties on the imports subject to registration
This Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/142 mandates the registration of imports of robot lawn mowers originating from the People’s Republic of China. This registration is a preliminary step that allows the potential imposition of anti-dumping duties retroactively, should the ongoing investigation determine that such duties are warranted. The regulation is triggered by an anti-dumping proceeding initiated in response to a complaint by a Union producer, alleging dumping practices by Chinese exporters. The regulation ensures that if the investigation confirms dumping and injury to the Union industry, duties can be applied to imports that occurred during the registration period.
The regulation consists of a preamble outlining the legal basis, the context of the anti-dumping proceeding, and the justification for registration. It also includes two articles: Article 1 specifies the product subject to registration, directing customs authorities to record imports of robot lawn mowers from China, and sets a nine-month expiration for the registration requirement. Article 2 stipulates that the regulation comes into force the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. There are no direct changes to previous versions, as this is the initial regulation imposing the registration requirement.
The most important provision is Article 1, which clearly defines the scope of products subject to registration. This includes electric robot mowers capable of cutting grass without direct human control, along with their necessary accessories, classified under CN code ex 8433 11 10 (TARIC code 8433 11 10 10). Businesses importing these products from China should be aware that these imports are now subject to registration, potentially leading to retroactive anti-dumping duties if the EU investigation finds evidence of dumping. The registration is set to expire nine months after the regulation’s entry into force.
Regulation (EU) 2026/211 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 January 2026 amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1755 as regards the amounts allocated to Member States under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve
Regulation (EU) 2026/211 amends Regulation (EU) 2021/1755 concerning the Brexit Adjustment Reserve. The key aim is to reduce the maximum resources allocated to the Reserve due to new geopolitical and economic challenges, specifically Russia’s war against Ukraine and the resulting energy crisis. This reduction is intended to free up resources for other urgent Union priorities. The regulation ensures that resources already paid to Member States as pre-financing or transferred to the Recovery and Resilience Facility are not affected by this reduction.
The regulation consists of two articles. Article 1 amends specific provisions within Regulation (EU) 2021/1755, particularly Article 4(3) and Article 4a(1). It cancels the payment of EUR 584,264,090 that was scheduled for 2025 and adjusts the deadline for Member States to request the transfer of funds to the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Article 2 establishes the entry into force of the regulation on the twentieth day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, ensuring its binding and directly applicable nature across all Member States.
The most important provision is the amendment to Article 4(3) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1755, which stipulates that the amount of EUR 584,264,090, initially planned for payment in 2025, will not be disbursed and will be deducted from the overall budget of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve. This adjustment reflects a strategic reallocation of funds to address more pressing and emergent needs within the Union.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/147 of 22 January 2026 amending Annexes II and V to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for benfluralin, benthiavalicarb and penflufen in or on certain products
This regulation amends Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, which concerns maximum residue levels (MRLs) of pesticides in or on food and feed. The changes involve specific adjustments to MRLs for three active substances: benfluralin, benthiavalicarb, and penflufen. The regulation updates the residue definitions for enforcement purposes for benthiavalicarb.
The regulation modifies Annexes II and V of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005. It removes the columns for benfluralin, benthiavalicarb, and penflufen from Annex II, effectively deleting the previously established MRLs for these substances. It adds new columns for these substances to Annex V, setting their MRLs at the limit of determination (LOD), which is a very low level. For benthiavalicarb, the residue definition for enforcement purposes is updated to include the sum of benthiavalicarb-isopropyl (KIF-230 R-L) and its enantiomer (KIF-230 S-D).
The most important provision is the setting of MRLs for benfluralin, benthiavalicarb, and penflufen at the limit of determination (LOD) in Annex V. This change means that the permitted levels of these substances in various products will be extremely low, reflecting the non-renewal of their approvals. Additionally, the updated residue definition for benthiavalicarb is crucial for enforcement and monitoring purposes, ensuring accurate measurement and compliance. The regulation does not apply retroactively to products already on the market before 12 August 2026, ensuring a smooth transition for businesses.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/140 of 22 January 2026 amending Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for acequinocyl, chlormequat, metalaxyl-M, pyraclostrobin, sulfoxaflor and trifloxystrobin in or on certain products
This is a description of Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/140, which amends Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 regarding maximum residue levels (MRLs) for certain pesticides in or on specific products. The regulation adjusts the permissible levels of acequinocyl, chlormequat, metalaxyl-M, pyraclostrobin, sulfoxaflor, and trifloxystrobin in various food and feed items. These amendments are based on applications for modification of existing MRLs and import tolerances, evaluated by Member States and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The Commission considered EFSA’s opinions and concluded that the data supported the proposed MRLs for most commodities, ensuring consumer safety while setting appropriate residue levels.
The structure of the act is straightforward. It consists of two articles and an annex. Article 1 states that Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 are amended in accordance with the Annex to this Regulation. Article 2 specifies that the regulation will enter into force twenty days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. The Annex provides detailed tables replacing the existing columns for the specified pesticides in Annex II and chlormequat in Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005. These tables list the MRLs for various food and feed products.
The most important provisions for its use are the specific MRLs set for each pesticide in relation to particular products. For example, the regulation sets new MRLs for acequinocyl in strawberries, chlormequat in oats, metalaxyl-M in honey, pyraclostrobin in sweet corn, sulfoxaflor in various leafy vegetables and herbs, and trifloxystrobin in table olives, linseeds, and herbal infusions. These levels are crucial for ensuring compliance with EU regulations for producers, importers, and control authorities. Additionally, the footnotes attached to certain pesticide-product combinations highlight specific data gaps or considerations that may lead to future reviews of the MRLs, making it important for stakeholders to monitor these developments.
Decision No 1/2026 of the EU-Switzerland joint Committee of 14 January 2026 amending Tables III and IV of Protocol 2 to the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Swiss Confederation of 22 July 1972 [2026/182]
This is a Decision of the EU-Switzerland Joint Committee amending Protocol 2 to the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Swiss Confederation. The Decision updates the domestic reference prices for certain agricultural raw materials and adapts the basic amounts of these materials, as listed in Tables III and IV of Protocol 2. These adjustments are based on observed changes in the price situation of these raw materials within the territories of the Contracting Parties (EU and Switzerland) during the reference period from September 2024 to August 2025.
The act consists of three articles and two annexes. Article 1 stipulates the amendments to Protocol 2 of the Agreement, specifically replacing Table III with the text in Annex I and replacing point (b) in Table IV with the text in Annex II. Article 2 mandates the publication of the Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union. Article 3 specifies that the Decision will come into force on 1 February 2026. Annex I contains the updated Table III, which lists the EU and Swiss domestic reference prices for various agricultural raw materials, along with the price differences used for applying price compensation measures. Annex II contains the updated point (b) of Table IV, which lists the basic amounts for agricultural raw materials used in calculating agricultural components.
The most important provision of this Decision is the updated reference prices and basic amounts for agricultural raw materials. These updated values are crucial for determining the price compensation measures applied to processed agricultural products traded between the EU and Switzerland, ensuring that the price differences are accurately reflected in trade.
