The active ingredient fipronil represents a significant pillar in Brazilian agribusiness, supporting a vast portfolio of pesticides with widespread application. The commercial scale of this active ingredient is evidenced by the existence of 126 registered products in the country, distributed among 38 registration holders. Among these registration holders are market leaders such as Adama Brasil S.A., Basf S.A., and Iharabras S.A., which depend on fipronil for various pest control solutions. This extensive portfolio, covering economically highly relevant crops and forestry crops, positions the ongoing environmental reassessment by IBAMA as a regulatory event with substantial impact on the commercial and operational strategy of multiple players in the sector.

According to precise data from the AGROFIT system, maintained by MAPA (Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture), the fipronil portfolio in Brazil totals exactly 126 registered products. Of this amount, 72 are formulated products and 54 are technical products, indicating its presence both in the final formulation and as an essential raw material. Use authorizations cover 27 diverse crops, including large-scale crops such as Potato, Sugarcane, Cotton, Corn, and Soy, as well as forestry crops like Eucalyptus. The diversity of crops and the presence of 38 registration holders, including names like Ouro Fino Química S.A. and AllierBrasil Agro Ltda., highlight the penetration and systemic relevance of fipronil in the national agricultural landscape.

The environmental reassessment of fipronil was formally initiated by IBAMA in September 2022, motivated by consistent evidence of ecotoxicological risk to bees (Apis mellifera) and other pollinating insects. The environmental agency's scientific analysis focuses on the ecotoxicity of fipronil and its metabolites to beneficial insects, its persistence in soil and water, and its potential for bioaccumulation in the food chain. As a precautionary measure, IBAMA published on January 12, 2026, Communiqué No. 25886596/2026-Gabin, released in the Official Gazette of the Union (DOU), determining the precautionary suspension of foliar spraying of fipronil-based products. This application method was identified as presenting the highest direct exposure to pollinators. The conduct of this process is the exclusive competence of IBAMA, as established by Law No. 14,785/2023, which defines the attributions of the regulatory triad in Brazil. Although ANVISA's Monograph F43 – Fipronil details the toxicological profile of the active ingredient, the focus of IBAMA's current reassessment is strictly environmental and ecotoxicological.

The analysis of precedents from environmental reassessments conducted by IBAMA offers a clear reference for the possible conclusions of the fipronil case. For the active ingredient imidacloprid, a similar reassessment resulted in the prohibition of aerial spraying, a restriction of application method. In the case of thiamethoxam, new use guidelines were published in 2024, aiming to mitigate specific environmental risks. These examples demonstrate that IBAMA, when concluding reassessment processes for systemic insecticides, has historically implemented significant restrictions on application methods before opting for total registration cancellations. This regulatory approach suggests a risk management trend that prioritizes the suitability of use over complete market removal, providing an indication for the eventual final decision on fipronil.

For the 38 companies holding the 126 registrations, the precautionary suspension of foliar spraying, established by Communiqué No. 25886596/2026-Gabin (DOU, Jan. 12, 2026), is a current measure that requires immediate adaptation. Companies must review which of their 72 formulated products authorize foliar spraying in crops identified with higher risk to pollinators. It is imperative to continuously monitor the Official Gazette of the Union and the IBAMA portal for the publication of the final decision, which may include additional or permanent restrictions. Furthermore, the proactive preparation of an updated ecotoxicological dossier, containing specific risk studies for pollinators, is a fundamental anticipatory requirement to support any request or defense before the environmental agency.

Given the ongoing reassessment and the already effective precautionary suspension, fipronil registration holders must implement a robust regulatory and operational strategy. Immediate action involves the internal review and adaptation of the labels of all formulated products that authorize foliar spraying, ensuring compliance with Communiqué No. 25886596/2026-Gabin. A detailed portfolio analysis is also recommended to identify crops and application methods most exposed to ecotoxicological risks. Proactively, companies should begin compiling and, if necessary, generating additional ecotoxicological data, focused on pollinators, to strengthen their dossiers and anticipate the requirements that will arise with IBAMA's final decision.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: The content presented herein reflects the technical and regulatory interpretation based on the legislation in force up to the date of its publication. HB Advisory emphasizes that the regulatory framework for pesticides, biological inputs, and related products in Brazil (MAPA, ANVISA, IBAMA) is dynamic and subject to normative changes. This material is exclusively for informational and educational purposes, not establishing a client-consultant relationship. Every registration process must be conducted under the supervision of a qualified Technical Responsible.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

The content presented herein reflects the technical and regulatory interpretation based on the legislation in force up to the date of its publication. HB Advisory emphasizes that the regulatory framework for pesticides, biological inputs, and related products in Brazil (MAPA, ANVISA, IBAMA) is dynamic and subject to normative changes and administrative interpretations.

This material is exclusively for informational and educational purposes. Reading this content does not establish a client-consultant relationship and should not be used as a substitute for a formal and individualized technical, legal, or regulatory assessment. HB Advisory is not responsible for strategic or operational decisions or dossier submissions based solely on the information contained herein. Every registration process must be conducted under the supervision of a qualified Technical Responsible.

Note on data: The statistical and market data cited in this publication were extracted from official sources or referenced market reports, reflecting the scenario at the time of extraction. HB Advisory does not guarantee the continuous accuracy of this data in the face of retroactive updates from issuing bodies.