Is Dichlobenil Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Dichlobenil is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (pesticides).
CAS 1194-65-6.
Is Dichlobenil banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | orchards, cranberries, ornamentals |
| CAS number | 1194-65-6 |
What is Dichlobenil?
Dichlobenil (CAS 1194-65-6) is a herbicide used in industrial agriculture.
Why is Dichlobenil used in food?
It is applied as a control of weeds in orchards and ornamentals.
Is Dichlobenil dangerous? Documented risks
EU non-renewal due to groundwater contamination by metabolite BAM.
Common US products containing Dichlobenil
- orchards
- cranberries
- ornamentals
How to avoid Dichlobenil: safer alternatives
Choose USDA-certified-organic produce, buy from EU-importing brands, and wash and peel conventional produce. BannedPantry flags products and crops associated with high-residue pesticides.
Frequently asked questions about Dichlobenil
Is Dichlobenil banned in the EU?
Yes — Dichlobenil is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is Dichlobenil allowed in the US?
Dichlobenil is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is Dichlobenil a concern?
Independent reviews flag Dichlobenil for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid Dichlobenil?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag Dichlobenil instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Dichlobenil or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related pesticides
Avoiding banned food additives? Check your beauty shelf, too.
Sources
- 85 pesticides outlawed elsewhere still used in the US — Center for Biological Diversity
- Residues of pesticides banned in the EU in imported food — Veblen Institute
- EPA Pesticide Registration — U.S. EPA
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.