Syngenta loses appeal against Swiss chlorothalonil ban
Swiss court upholds environmental and public health concerns over fungicide use.
SWITZERLAND – The Federal Administrative Court has rejected Syngenta’s appeal against Switzerland’s ban on fungicides containing chlorothalonil.
The ruling keeps the substance prohibited, citing risks to wildlife and drinking water.
“The court’s decision confirms the importance of protecting our aquatic ecosystems and public health,” said a spokesperson for the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG).
Switzerland first withdrew authorization for chlorothalonil in December 2019. FOAG said metabolites of the substance, found in groundwater and drinking water, pose health risks. The ban came into effect on January 1, 2020, stopping sales of remaining stocks.
Syngenta, which produces fungicides with chlorothalonil, argued in court that the metabolites do not harm humans. The judges disagreed, noting that even isolated detections above the threshold of 0.1 micrograms per liter indicate a violation of water safety limits.
“Chlorothalonil affects amphibians and fish, and this alone justifies the ban,” the court stated. Environmental groups, including WWF, participated in the case, highlighting the dangers to aquatic life and public health.
The European Union had already banned chlorothalonil in April 2019, pointing to similar risks for groundwater and drinking water contamination.
Syngenta can still appeal to Switzerland’s Federal Court, the country’s highest judicial authority.
Company investments in safer practices
While facing the ban, Syngenta continues to invest in crop science research. The company announced a US$130 million Biological Sciences Technology and Research center, called BioSTaR, at its Jealott’s Hill site in the United Kingdom.
“BioSTaR will provide shared laboratories and digital tools to help scientists develop crop protection solutions with minimal environmental impact,” the company said.
The center will open in 2028, hosting 300 existing researchers, and focus on studying pests, plants, pathogens, and soil interactions. Artificial intelligence and data analysis will support faster testing and safer product design.
Analysts say the new facility signals Syngenta’s commitment to improving crop protection while aligning with stricter environmental standards. The company hopes research at BioSTaR will guide safer approaches for farmers facing pest and climate pressures globally.
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