Joint CCPR/CCRVDF Electronic Working Group (CCPR-CCRVDF)

FAO/WHO ID No:	CX-737
Reference:	CX/PR-RVDF
Terms of Reference:	The joint electronic working group (EWG) will: i. review work already done cooperatively between the Codex Committees on Veterinary Drugs in Foods (CCRVDF) and Pesticide Residues (CCPR) and will identify, and if possible, prioritize areas of possible further collaboration between CCRVDF and CCPR and how this could be carried out (e.g. jointly, in parallel, etc.) to facilitate the consideration of compounds with dual uses by both committees and the possible harmonization of maximum residue limits (MRLs). This may include reflections on improved synchronization of work between CCPR and CCRVDF as well as collaboration between CCPR/CCRVDF and the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR)/Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA); ii. provide an update on their preliminary findings to CCRVDF and CCPR; iii. develop a list of compounds with dual use as a pesticide and veterinary drug for which no or only one Codex MRL has been established and that member countries will provide the information to populate this list; iv. identify dual-use compounds that have different Codex MRLs for a similar edible commodity of animal origin and recommend on a case-by-case basis, a single, harmonized MRL(s) for the compound(s) and affected commodity(ies). The EWG might recommend that CCRVDF/CCPR consider selecting the higher MRL value; and v. consider the matter related to harmonized food descriptors to be used by JECFA/JMPR.
Status:	Active
Host:	China/USA

Joint CCPR/CCRVDF Electronic Working Group

About this webpage

This dedicated page to the CCPR and CCRVDF joint work provides information on the ToR of the Joint EWG as endorsed by CAC48 (2025), circular letters requesting comments on issues about the establishment of single harmonized MRLs for dual-use compounds, including access to the archives of relevant documents providing the historical information for this work, online databases for MRLs for pesticides and veterinary drugs, as well as any other pertinent information applicable to this work and will continue to be updated regularly as necessary.

Rationale for the joint CCPR and CCRVDF work - Dual-use compounds and the need to establish single harmonized MRLs for veterinary and pesticide uses

The effective management of compounds with dual use—as both pesticides and veterinary drugs— by Codex requires close collaboration between the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (CCPR) and the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods (CCRVDF), along with their respective risk assessment bodies: the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).

Currently, separate evaluations by JMPR and JECFA can result in different maximum residue limits (MRLs) for the same compound, depending on whether it is used as a pesticide or a veterinary drug.
This discrepancy creates enforcement challenges for food safety regulators and can negatively affect international trade.

The need for harmonized, single MRLs for dual-use compounds—ensuring both fair trade practices and the same level of human health protection as with separate MRLs reflecting different uses—has been recognized since 2017, notably during the 73rd Session of the Executive Committee (CCEXEC) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC).

Summary of work initiation and progress

In 2021, CCRVDF, with support from CCPR, highlighted the ongoing lack of harmonization in setting MRLs for dual-use compounds and requested guidance from CCEXEC on mechanisms for cooperation. That same year, CCEXEC recommended the formation of a joint electronic working group (EWG) and the use of virtual technology to advance cross-sectoral collaboration. In response, the Commission established the Joint CCPR/CCRVDF EWG, chaired by the United States and supported by the JECFA, JMPR, and Codex Secretariats. This work will continue as long as both committees find it valuable.

From 2022 to 2025, both CCPR and CCRVDF have strongly supported the Joint EWG, identifying additional cooperative initiatives to facilitate the establishment of harmonized, single MRLs for dual-use compounds, as outlined in the EWG’s terms of reference.

In 2022, CCEXEC and CAC commended the Joint EWG as a cost-effective and practical solution for coordinating work on issues of mutual interest, particularly those concerning dual-use compounds.

As the EWG progressed, it faced challenges, including limited and uneven participation from Codex member countries and relevant animal and plant health agencies, as well as constraints from operating solely on the Codex’s online platform. To address these issues, the Joint EWG recommended convening a virtual EWG meeting, followed by a joint virtual session with CCPR and CCRVDF. This would bring together veterinary and plant protection services from Codex member countries to discuss cross-sectoral issues related to harmonizing MRLs for dual-use compounds—a first-of-its-kind approach in Codex, unanimously supported by both committees. Members and Observers were encouraged to coordinate positions between the CCPR and CCRVDF delegations and to actively participate in the Joint EWG, including by responding to circular letters and by attending the upcoming virtual meetings of the Joint EWG and CCPR/CCRVDF.

Scheduling a joint session of CCPR and CCRVDF

In 2024, the Commission endorsed exploring a virtual session for CCPR and CCRVDF to consider recommendations from the Joint EWG, noting that this would be the first time such an arrangement was made and might be used in the future to address common issues involving different Codex committees.

In 2025, the Commission reaffirmed the Joint EWG’s mandate, endorsed the scheduling of a virtual meeting of the Joint EWG followed by a joint session of CCPR and CCRVDF, and further requested the EWG to prepare a draft agenda for the joint session to be submitted to CAC in 2026 for endorsement. The Joint EWG continues under the leadership of the United States as Chair and Brazil as Co-Chair.

Additionally, a dedicated web page will be created on the Codex website to improve visibility of this joint undertaking and to provide access to working documents and relevant information, facilitating effective participation by Codex Members and Observers.

Ensuring a transparent and inclusive process

The Commission continues monitoring the joint mechanism, as there is no single committee overseeing it. The Codex, CCPR, and CCRVDF Secretariats, along with the chairs of these committees and the Joint EWG, will continue collaborating closely to ensure clear and timely organization and communication. The process aims to be transparent and inclusive, while adhering to Codex procedures despite its novel nature. Ultimately, CAC is responsible for endorsing the preparatory work for the virtual session of CCPR and CCRVDF, including the agenda, based on recommendations from the Joint EWG and the agreement of CCPR and CCRVDF. This approach ensures transparency and visibility for all Codex Members and Observers.

The effective management of compounds with dual use—as both pesticides and veterinary drugs— by Codex requires close collaboration between the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (CCPR) and the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods (CCRVDF), along with their respective risk assessment bodies: the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).