For exports of foodstuffs to the United States, authorisation from the Food & Drug Administration is required. Pesticides and residues, however, fall within the competence of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), which is responsible for registrations and tolerances.

For example, for the following pesticides, residues are already tolerated in Europe, but there is no maximum residue limit (MRL) in the US, which means that the following are not authorised there: chlormequat: 65% chance of presence in oats; methidathion: < 10% chance; pirimiphos-methyl: 12% chance in wheat.

This creates an enormous barrier for export companies. In view of the above, can the Commission answer the following questions:

Does it intend to also raise the matter of non-‐tariff barriers in its trade negotiations with the United States?

Do pesticides and residues form part of such negotiations?