# 2026-02926: Rice Byproduct Wax Dodges Pesticide Limits in EPA Move

2026-02926, Rice Bran Wax in Pesticide Formulations; Exemption From the Requirement for a Tolerance, is a Federal Register rule from Environmental Protection Agency published 2026-02-13, effective 2026-02-13 (as of 2026-06-11).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-02926
- As of: 2026-06-11
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-02926
- Title: Rice Bran Wax in Pesticide Formulations; Exemption From the Requirement for a Tolerance
- Type: Rule
- Agencies: Environmental Protection Agency
- Citation: 91 FR 6789
- Published: 2026-02-13
- Effective: 2026-02-13
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: no
- Regulation identifier numbers: none
- Last updated: 2026-06-11

## In one line

Rice Byproduct Wax Dodges Pesticide Limits in EPA Move

## Summary

The EPA just made it official: rice bran wax can be used safely in pesticides without setting a strict residue limit. This change helps farmers, food makers, and pesticide producers by cutting red tape and speeding up product use starting February 13, 2026. No extra costs or delays—just smoother, safer pesticide formulations for crops, animals, and food equipment.

## Abstract

This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of rice bran wax (CAS Reg. No. 8016-60-2) when used as an inert ingredient (lubricant) on growing crops and raw agricultural commodities pre- and post-harvest, when applied to animals, and in antimicrobial formulations applied to food-contact surfaces in public eating places, dairy-processing equipment, and food- processing equipment and utensils. Micro Powders, Inc., submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of rice bran wax when used in accordance with the terms of those exemptions.

## Effects PRIA read

- Tolerance Exemption for Rice Bran Wax: benefit, medium. Effective February 13, 2026, the EPA exempts rice bran wax (CAS 8016-60-2) from the requirement of a tolerance when used as an inert ingredient lubricant on growing crops and raw agricultural commodities pre- and post-harvest, when applied to animals, and when used in antimicrobial food-contact for…
- No Numerical Limit or Testing Required: benefit, low. The rule states there is 'None' listed under Limits for rice bran wax and that an analytical enforcement method is not required for enforcement purposes because the Agency is establishing an exemption without any numerical limitation. This can reduce testing and enforcement burden for pesticide for…
- EPA Finds Rice Bran Wax Safe for Consumers: benefit, low. EPA concluded there are no toxicological endpoints of concern for rice bran wax and determined 'there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to the general population, or to infants and children' from aggregate exposure. This determination supports the exemption effective February 13, 2…

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## Sources
- [2026-02926 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/13/2026-02926/rice-bran-wax-in-pesticide-formulations-exemption-from-the-requirement-for-a-tolerance)
- [2026-02926 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-02-13/pdf/2026-02926.pdf)

## Related
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- [Next: 2026-02933, Afidopyropen; Pesticide Tolerances](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-02933)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-02926 (as of 2026-06-11).