EPA Frees Up Weird Polymer for Pesticide Free-for-All
Published Date: 4/10/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA just made it official: a special ingredient called polyethylhexyl glycidyl ether polyethylene oxide copolymer can now be used in pesticides without worrying about residue limits, as long as it’s no more than 10% of the mix. This helps farmers and pesticide makers by cutting red tape and speeding up product use starting April 10, 2026. If anyone wants to challenge this, they have until June 9, 2026, to speak up.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
10% Inert Ingredient Tolerance Exemption
The EPA exempts polyethylhexyl glycidyl ether polyethylene oxide copolymer from pesticide residue tolerances when used as a wetting agent or surfactant on growing crops and raw agricultural commodities, limited to no more than 10% by weight of the pesticide formulation. This exemption is effective April 10, 2026 and eliminates the need to establish a numerical residue limit when the ingredient is used within that 10% limit.
Registration Limit: 10% Formulation Cap
EPA will not register any pesticide formulation for food use that contains more than 10% by weight of polyethylhexyl glycidyl ether polyethylene oxide copolymer; the 10% limit will be enforced through the pesticide registration process under FIFRA. Manufacturers with formulations above 10% must reformulate or will be ineligible for registration for food uses.
EPA Safety Findings for Consumers
EPA concluded the exemption is safe: chronic exposure uses 2.8% of the chronic population-adjusted dose (cPAD) for the U.S. population and 10.3% for children 1-2 years old; short-term aggregate margins of exposure are 365 for adults and 211 for children, which are above EPA's level of concern of 100. The Food Quality Protection Act safety factor was reduced to 1X.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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