Pesticide residues are one of the most common reasons for non-compliance in the trade in plant products. Producers, importers and retailers test for them to demonstrate compliance with maximum residue levels (MRLs), to check their suppliers and to meet customer and authority requirements.
What we test
We use two complementary multi-residue methods, both based on QuEChERS extraction (acetonitrile extraction/partitioning with dispersive SPE clean-up): one using gas chromatography (GC) and one using liquid chromatography (LC). Together they cover a large number of active substances and metabolites from different classes: organochlorine and organophosphorus insecticides, pyrethroids, carbamates, neonicotinoids, fungicides (such as triazoles and strobilurins) and herbicides. The full list of substances in the accredited scope is published in the RENAR annex to accreditation certificate LI 871.
The methods apply to plant products grouped by composition (high water, acidic, high sugar, high oil and low water – for example oilseeds and nuts –, high starch and protein, dried, including tea, spices and dried herbs), to foods of animal origin (meat and seafood, milk and dairy products, eggs) and to feed.
Regulatory framework
- Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 on maximum residue levels of pesticides in food and feed
- Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 – general principles of food law
- Regulation (EU) 2017/625 on official controls
How we work
Tell us the product, its origin and, where relevant, any substances of particular interest (for example for a specific export market). Results are issued in a test report; accredited tests are marked as such and are listed in the RENAR annex to accreditation certificate LI 871.
Parameters and determinations
Multi-residue methods
- Multi-residue screening by gas chromatography (GC) after QuEChERS extraction RENAR accredited
- Multi-residue screening by liquid chromatography (LC) after QuEChERS extraction RENAR accredited
Substance classes covered
- Organochlorine and organophosphorus insecticides
- Pyrethroids
- Carbamates
- Neonicotinoids
- Fungicides (triazoles, strobilurins, benzimidazoles, etc.)
- Herbicides (chloroacetanilides, triazines, substituted ureas, etc.)
- Acaricides
Matrices
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Dried fruit
- Fruit juices and concentrates
- Cereals and rice
- Tea, coffee, cocoa
- Herbs and spices
- Honey
- Wine and other beverages
- Meat, fish and seafood
- Milk and dairy products
- Eggs
- Feed
"RENAR accredited" links to the matching row of the accredited-tests table below (RENAR annex no. 1/24.04.2026); "authorised, not accredited" means authorised by ANSVSA (authorisation no. 95/24.09.2025) but outside the accreditation; "subcontracted" means performed by a partner laboratory. An analysis with two labels is accredited only for the matrices and methods in the table. "Not accredited" (non-food products, which need no authorisation) means performed in the ICA laboratory or by a partner laboratory, outside the accreditation.
This list is not exhaustive and not all determinations are accredited. For anything not listed here, please contact our sales team.