Pesticide Tolerance; Exemptions, Petitions, Revocations, etc.: Isocycloseram; Emergency Exemption

What it does

• •Establishes a time-limited tolerance of 0.4 parts per million for residues of the pesticide isocycloseram (including metabolites and degradates) in or on sunflower seed, expiring December 31, 2029.
• •Authorizes this tolerance without public notice or comment period under emergency exemption procedures, in response to EPA's approval of emergency use of isocycloseram to control Red Sunflower Seed Weevil infestations in South Dakota.
• •Makes residues remaining on sunflowers after the tolerance expires unlawful unless the pesticide was applied lawfully under FIFRA and residues do not exceed the authorized level at time of application.

Why it matters

• •Addresses an urgent pest control problem: widespread Red Sunflower Seed Weevil infestations in South Dakota are causing significant economic losses to growers, with limited compatible alternatives available.
• •EPA determined the tolerance meets the statutory safety standard—there is reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure, including special consideration for infant and child exposure.
• •The time-limited approach allows emergency use while preserving EPA's right to revoke the tolerance early if scientific data later indicates safety concerns.

Who is affected

• •Agricultural producers growing sunflowers, particularly in South Dakota.
• •Food manufacturers and handlers processing sunflower products.
• •Pesticide manufacturers and distributors of isocycloseram products.

What happens next

Objections and hearing requests must be filed by January 12, 2027, in accordance with 40 CFR part 178 and submitted to the EPA's Hearing Clerk and public docket; the regulation is effective as of November 13, 2026.