Recently, the EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) issued multiple notifications regarding excessive pesticide residues in Chinese green tea. On May 21, 2026, Germany officially notified that a batch of Chinese green tea was found to contain 0.23 mg/kg Thiamethoxam, 4.6 times the EU limit of 0.05 mg/kg. The affected products have been completely withdrawn from the market and banned from sale.
1. Current Situation: Inspection Greatly Tightened
Since March 2026, the EU has issued four consecutive notifications of excessive pesticide residues in Chinese green tea, involving Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and Norway. Meanwhile:
EU Member States: Tea border inspection rate increased to 15%–20% (normally ~10%)
Morocco & Algeria: North African markets also tightened controls, adopting EU standards and targeting main green tea grades: 41022, 9371, 3505
Expanded Testing: From 100 routine items to 290+ EU standard full screening
2. High-Risk Grades & Key Pesticides
High-risk grades: 41022 (Chunmee), 9371 (Mee tea), 3505 (Gunpowder)
Frequently exceeded pesticides:
Thiamethoxam (EU limit: 0.05 mg/kg).
Acetamiprid, Dinotefuran (neonicotinoids)
Lambda-cyhalothrin, Cyhalothrin (pyrethroids)
Tolfenpyrad, Epoxiconazole, etc.
3. Urgent Recommendations for Exporters
Conduct EU full-panel testing (290+ items) for every batch and provide official English reports to build buyer confidence.
Control raw material sources: Avoid using pesticides not approved by the EU; prioritize organic/EU-certified tea gardens.
Strengthen pre-shipment self-inspection: Focus on high-frequency excess items like Thiamethoxam and Acetamiprid.
Inform buyers proactively: Share test reports in advance to avoid detention, withdrawal, or rejection at destination.
4. Impact & Reminder
The EU and North African markets have entered a highly sensitive regulatory period. Pesticide violations may lead to product withdrawal, rejection, fines, and damage to the reputation of Chinese green tea as well as future customs clearance efficiency. As 41022 and 9371 are key Zhejiang green tea export grades, strict quality control is critical to avoid significant losses.
