Dutch Regulator Could Ban 46 PFAS Pesticides to Protect Drinking Water

The Dutch authority for the approval of pesticides and biocides, the Ctgb, has launched a formal reassessment of 46 pesticides containing PFAS chemicals, following research showing that these products may be contaminating groundwater with a breakdown product that threatens the long-term safety of Dutch drinking water. If the reassessment concludes that the products breach groundwater standards, their permits will be withdrawn or amended.

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What the problem is

The reassessment concerns pesticides that break down in the soil into a substance called trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), which is itself a PFAS. TFA barely degrades, is highly mobile, and accumulates in groundwater. At current levels, TFA does not pose an immediate health risk, because concentrations in drinking water remain well below the acceptable daily intake. But rising concentrations could in future affect both groundwater and drinking water quality.

The 46 products under review are all approved pesticides based on six active substances: fluopyram, fluazinam, diflufenican, mefentrifluconazol, tau-fluvalinate and fluazifop-P-butyl. These are used mainly in arable farming, including in potatoes, sugar beet, maize and winter wheat, and in bulb growing.

Why the Ctgb is not waiting for Europe

The reassessment follows Danish research published in December 2024, which showed that several PFAS pesticides break down into TFA in groundwater. That research prompted the Danish government to ban 23 such products in July 2025. The Ctgb has assessed the Danish data for relevance to the Dutch situation and concluded it cannot wait for the regular European review process, which it considers unlikely to move quickly enough. Norway and Sweden are conducting similar processes, and all three countries are aiming to complete their assessments by 30 April 2028.

Pilot calculations by the Ctgb have already provided strong indications that approved products based on the substances in question also fail to meet Dutch groundwater standards. However, national calculations using Dutch-specific groundwater models are needed before any decisions can be made. Permits for applications that do not meet the standard will be withdrawn or adjusted.

The threat to potato farming

Banning these pesticides could have significant consequences for Dutch agriculture, particularly potato growing. Several of the products under review protect potatoes against the pathogen Phytophthora infestans, which causes potato blight. Without adequate protection, a potato crop in a wet season can be completely destroyed within two weeks. "We currently have just enough products to protect potatoes effectively even in wet years and to prevent Phytophthora from developing resistance," said Tineke de Vries, chair of LTO Akkerbouw. An economist at ABN Amro estimated that arable farmers derive roughly a third of their income from potatoes.

The Ctgb has advised the ministry of agriculture to investigate the impact if these products are removed from the market and whether alternatives exist. "This is an oncoming train heading for Dutch agriculture," said Ctgb policy officer Lotte Huisman.

The broader context

The use of PFAS pesticides in Dutch agriculture has risen sharply in recent years, growing from around 150,000 kilograms per year in the period 2010 to 2020 to more than 250,000 kilograms in 2023. Fungicides account for the largest share and the steepest increase.

TFA has been linked in German research to possible harm to unborn children and fertility. It has also been found at elevated concentrations in commonly eaten products including bread and breakfast cereals. The RIVM has established an indicative guideline value for TFA in drinking water. Dutch drinking water companies and environmental organisations have already called for a ban on PFAS pesticides.