RAINFOREST ALLIANCE
POLICY
Exception to use Fipronil, Imidacloprid,
Thiamethoxan,
Spirodiclofen
andGlufosinate Ammonium for the Citrus Sectorin Brazil.
Version 1April, 2023

© 2022 Rainforest Alliance. All rights reserved.

The Rainforest Alliance is creating a more sustainable world by using social and market forces
to protect nature and improve the lives of farmers and forest communities.

Translation Disclaimer
For any question related to the precise meaning of the information contained in the translation,please refer to the official English version for clarification. Any discrepancies or differences inmeaning due to translation are not binding and have no effect for auditing or certification
purposes.

More information?
For more information about the Rainforest Alliance, visit www.rainforest-alliance.org,
contact info@ra.org or contact the Rainforest Alliance Amsterdam Office, De Ruijterkade 6,1013AA Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Document Name:

Document Code: Version: Language:

Exception to use Fipronil, Imidacloprid,
Thiamethoxan, Spirodiclofen andGlufosinate Ammonium.

SA-P-LA-29

V1

Date of firstpublication:

Date of revision:

Valid From:

Expires by:

May, 2023

May 9th, 2023May 1st, 2023

Dec 31st , 2024

ENG

Developed by:Approved by:Standards and Assurance

Director of Standards and Assurance

Linked to:•Exceptional Use Policy (December 2022)

Replaces:

Applicable to:Rainforest Alliance certificate holders

Country/Region:
BrazilCrop:

Type of Certification:

CitrusFarm certification

Policies are binding. Policies complement and/or supersede related rules or requirements for the parties
they are applicable to.
Any use of this content including reproduction, modification, distribution or republication, without
the prior written consent of Rainforest Alliance is strictly prohibited.

SA-P-LA-29-V1

2

EXCEPTIONTOUSE
FIPRONIL,IMIDACLOPRID,THIAMETHOXAN, SPIRODICLOFEN AND GLUFOSINATEAMMONIUM.
Fipronil is used to control leaf cutting ants (several species), while Imidacloprid andThiamethoxan are used to control Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri). These three molecules
are insecticides classified as Highly Hazaurdoues Pesticides (HHPs) due to their negative effects
on pollinators.
Spirodiclofen is an acaricide used to control citrus leprosis mite (Brevipalpus yothersi) andGlufosinate-Ammonium is an herbicide used to control sourgrass (Digitaria insularis), bothprohibited because its HPP classification as chronic toxicity according to the FAO/WHOdefinition.
Due to these classifications, Rainforest Alliance has included them in its list of prohibited
pesticides; however, we have granted temporary authorization to the Brazil citrus sector to use
these substances, while viable alternatives are identified. These authorizations are conditioned
to be used within the strategy of Integrated Pest Management, in an efficient way and onlywith the complete implementation of the respective risk mitigation measures.
Rainforest Alliance has decided to extend the current pesticide authorizations and further
support producers to phase-out the use of these products. For doing this, the Rainforest
Alliance will undertake the following initiatives:•

Extend the current authorization to use the substances Fipronil, Imidacloprid,Thiamethoxan, Spirodiclofen and Glufosinate Ammonium until December 31st, 2024.

•Study the feasibility of using other products with lower toxicity and employ integrated
pest management practices.

•Support the progressive elimination of all molecules included in this policy throughworkshops and training on the use of alternatives.

The specific conditions regarding this exception are presented below:
a. This exception does not set a precedent and Rainforest Alliance is uder no obligation
to extend the exception period beyond the original deadlines, or to authorize theexceptional use of additional molecules.
b. Non-compliance with any of the provisions in this policy will result in a non-conformity
with requirement 4.6.1 of the Standard.
c. The authorization will only be valid if the conditions and risk mitigation measures
specified in the Exceptional Usage Policy are implemented.
d. New purchases of inputs must consider that the application of this product will not beauthorized after the established date in this exception policy (December 31st, 2024),
and the remaining inventory needs to be used or disposed of before that date.
e. The CH must inform CB regarding the application of this exception.
f.

Rainforest Alliance reserves the right to shorten or extend the period of this exception if
the study reveals new aspects to be considered.

SA-P-LA-29-V1

3

For any questions, please contact the Brazil Certification Program team through the email:customersuccess@ra.org

SA-P-LA-29-V1

4