Reasoned opinion on the setting of a new MRL for thiobencarb in rice

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the United Kingdom, hereafter referred to as the evaluating Member State (EMS), received an application from K-I Chemical Europe S.A./N.V. to set an import tolerance for the active substance thiobencarb in rice reflecting the authorised use in the United States of America. In order to accommodate for the notified use of thiobencarb, the United Kingdom proposed to raise the existing maximum residue level (MRL) from the limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.1 mg/kg to 0.2 mg/kg. The United Kingdom drafted an evaluation report in accordance with Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 which was submitted to the European Commission and forwarded to EFSA. Regarding the magnitude of residues in rice, supervised residue trials are available. However, EFSA notes that several deficiencies are associated to the quality of the submitted residue trials. Lacking reliable information on the magnitude of residues in rice, it is not possible to derive a sound MRL proposal. Since no toxicological reference values could be set for thiobencarb, a consumer risk assessment can not be performed. In conclusion EFSA does not recommend the setting of the import tolerance for thiobencarb in rice.