EPA Refines Tolerances for Pesticides Like Terbacil on Crops
Published Date: 2/20/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA just updated rules for certain pesticides like Terbacil to keep our food safe and farms running smoothly. If you grow crops, raise animals, make food, or produce pesticides, these changes affect you starting February 20, 2026. You’ve got until April 21, 2026, to raise any concerns, but no big costs or delays are expected—just smarter, safer pesticide rules!
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.
Widespread tolerance updates and rounding
EPA finalized changes that revise tolerance expressions, update commodity definitions, and modify tolerance values for numerous pesticides to reflect OECD rounding class practice. These regulatory text changes apply to pesticides listed in Unit III (for example Terbacil, Metolachlor, Cyfluthrin, etc.) and are effective February 20, 2026.
Tomato tolerance lowered for etridiazole
EPA lowered the tolerance for etridiazole on tomatoes from 0.15 parts per million (ppm) to 0.1 ppm. The prior 0.15 ppm tolerance is given an expiration date of August 19, 2026 to allow adjustment.
New livestock tolerances for pinoxaden
EPA is establishing new tolerances for pinoxaden in livestock commodities (including goat, hog, horse, and sheep fat, meat, and meat byproducts) because during registration review the Agency determined tolerances were needed to cover potential residues from treated feed items at the same level as current cattle tolerances.
Who this rule affects and deadlines
You are affected if you are an agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer. The rule is effective February 20, 2026, and objections or hearing requests must be filed and received by April 21, 2026 following 40 CFR part 178 instructions.
EPA certification on small-entity economic impact
EPA certified under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. EPA considered public comments about possible small-scale farmer costs but did not change its determination.
180-day transition for lowered/revoked tolerances
For tolerances that are lowered or revoked, EPA set an expiration date for the prior tolerance of 180 days after publication (i.e., August 19, 2026) to allow producers in exporting members of the World Trade Organization's SPS Agreement time to adapt to the new requirements.
Cyproconazole liver tolerance rounding change
EPA revised cyproconazole tolerances for cattle, goat, horse, and sheep liver from 0.50 ppm to 0.5 ppm to reflect OECD rounding class practice; this change is finalized in 40 CFR 180.485 paragraph (a)(3).
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-10085 — Rescission of Regulatory Determinations and Removal of Related Provisions for Four PFAS Substances (PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (GenX), and the Mixture of These Three PFAS Plus PFBS)
The EPA is proposing to undo its rules for four PFAS chemicals (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, and a mix including PFBS) in drinking water because the original process wasn’t done right. This means public water systems won’t have to monitor or treat these chemicals for now. People and water providers should weigh in by July 20, 2026, and a virtual hearing happens July 7.
2026-10086 — Extending the Compliance Deadline for the PFOA and PFOS Maximum Contaminant Levels
The EPA is giving water systems more time to meet safety rules for two harmful chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, by extending the deadline from April 2029 to April 2031 if they ask for it. This helps water providers get ready without rushing, keeping our drinking water safe. The EPA wants your thoughts and will hold a public hearing in July 2026 to hear from everyone.
2026-09895 — Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category-Unmanaged Combustion Residual Leachate
The EPA is updating rules for steam electric power plants to better control dirty water leaking from leftover coal waste. This change affects existing power plants and is expected to save up to $1 billion a year while protecting water quality. Comments on the proposal are open until June 17, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-09524 — Begin Actual Construction in the New Source Review (NSR) Preconstruction Permitting Program
The EPA is updating rules about when companies can start building big projects that might affect air quality. Now, they can begin building parts that don’t release pollution before getting a full air permit, making things clearer and easier. This change mainly affects businesses planning major construction and could speed up projects without extra costs, but comments are due by June 29, 2026.
2026-09179 — Definition of Hazardous Waste Applicable to Corrective Action for Releases From Solid Waste Management Units; Withdrawal
The EPA has decided to cancel its plan to change the rules about what counts as hazardous waste for cleaning up pollution at certain waste sites. This means businesses and cleanup crews won’t have to deal with the confusing new rules that were proposed. The withdrawal takes effect immediately, so no extra costs or changes will happen right now.
2026-08750 — Extension of Postponement of Effectiveness for Certain Provisions of Trichloroethylene (TCE); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
The EPA is hitting the pause button again on some rules about a chemical called TCE, which is used in workplaces. This means certain limited uses of TCE won’t have to follow new restrictions just yet, while courts review the rules. If you work with TCE, this delay gives you more time before changes kick in, starting May 18, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03354 — Hiring Authority for College Graduates
Starting March 23, 2026, the government is making it easier to hire college grads for certain federal jobs. This new rule gives agencies more flexibility to bring in fresh talent quickly and fairly, helping recent grads jumpstart their careers. It’s a win for job seekers and the government, with no extra costs but a smoother hiring process.
Next: 2026-03368 — Imidacloprid; Pesticide Tolerance(s)
The EPA just set a safe limit for imidacloprid pesticide residue on black pepper at 0.05 parts per million. This affects farmers, food makers, and pesticide companies who handle black pepper. The new rule kicks in on February 20, 2026, and anyone wanting to object has until April 21, 2026 to speak up.