How to Avoid ETO Rejection in the EU

How do I avoid ethylene oxide (ETO) rejection when exporting to the EU?

Do not use ETO fumigation. Specify steam sterilisation instead and require an ETO residue test against the EU’s 0.1 mg/kg default limit on the export lot. ETO has been a banned pesticide in the EU since 1991, so any detection risks rejection.

Why ETO gets lots rejected

Ethylene oxide is a fumigant once used to reduce microbial load, but it has been banned as a pesticide in the EU since 1991. The EU applies a default maximum residue level of 0.1 mg/kg, and detections above it drive RASFF alerts and border rejections.

The problem is the decontamination method, not the spice. Switching from ETO to steam sterilisation removes the residue at source while still addressing microbial specs such as Salmonella absent in 25 g.

The controls that work

• —Contract for steam sterilisation, never ETO or gas fumigation.
• —Require a lot-specific ETO residue report against 0.1 mg/kg.
• —Confirm the microbial spec is met by steam, not by a banned fumigant.
• —Be aware of increased official controls: Indian cumin is at a 30% pesticide check rate (raised Jan 2025) and Indian black pepper at 50% for Salmonella.

Frequently asked

Is ETO allowed anywhere?

Some markets permit ETO treatment; the EU does not, treating it as a banned pesticide since 1991. If your destination is the EU, specify steam sterilisation and test the residue.

What check rate applies to Indian cumin in the EU?

Indian cumin is subject to a 30% increased pesticide check rate, raised in January 2025 under the EU’s increased-controls regulation.