Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRL for thiram in avocados

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, Belgium, hereafter referred to as the evaluating Member State (EMS), received an application from Taminco N.V. to set an import tolerance for the active substance thiram in avocados imported from Australia, New Zealand and Mexico. The uses of thiram require increasing the existing MRL for dithiocarbamates, expressed as carbon disulfide (CS₂) as well. Belgium proposed to set the MRL at 15 mg/kg for thiram and at 8 mg/kg for dithiocarbamates (expressed as CS₂). Belgium 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. According to EFSA the submitted data are sufficient to derive import tolerance proposals of 15 mg/kg for thiram (optionally 10 mg/kg) and of 7 mg/kg for dithiocarbamates (CS₂), based on the authorised use on avocados in Australia. The MRL established in Australia and New Zealand is 7 mg/kg (as CS₂). Specific thiram MRLs are not in place in these countries. An MRL is not yet in place in Mexico as the use on avocados is still not authorised. Adequate validated analytical methods are available to enforce the residues in whole avocado fruits. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concludes thatthe import tolerance of thiram on avocados will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values and therefore is unlikely to pose a consumer health risk.