Summary: The global plant growth regulator (PGR) market is projected to reach $4.29 billion by 2030, driven by demand in high-value crops. PGRs offer precise growth control with low environmental impact, with some qualifying as biochemical pesticides for streamlined registration. The EU favors TE assessments for cost efficiency, while the U.S. provides faster pathways for biochemical-classified PGRs. Recent industry developments include key product approvals and partnerships, highlighting strategic opportunities in Europe and North America for compliant, innovation-driven market entry.

According to statistics, the global plant growth regulator (PGR) market is projected to grow from 2.85 billion in 2025 to 2.85 billion in 2025 to 4.29 billion by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5%.

As a key segment of crop protection chemicals, PGRs play a significant role in high-value crops such as vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Their ability to precisely regulate plant growth, improve yield, and enhance quality makes them a core tool in precision agriculture.

PGRs achieve targeted regulation by balancing plant hormones and typically offer advantages such as low application rates, high specificity, minimal/no residue, and environmental and human health safety. Certain eligible categories may qualify as "biochemical pesticides," benefiting from simplified regulatory policies.

How to Efficiently Enter the EU and US Markets with PGRs?

EU Market

Currently, the EU has no clear definition for biochemical pesticides, and PGR registration requirements are similar to those for conventional chemical pesticides. Companies should prioritize TE (Technical Equivalence) assessment.

• Formulation Registration: Compared to TE assessment, formulation registration is significantly more challenging, time-consuming, and costly.
• Active Substance Registration: For existing substances in the EU, TE assessment offers a faster, lower-cost pathway with reduced data requirements.

US Market

In the U.S., naturally occurring chemicals or their synthetic equivalents may qualify as biochemical pesticides if they meet low-risk criteria for human health and the environment. PGRs under this definition benefit from simplified registration.

• New Active Ingredient Registration: A phased data strategy can be adopted. If early-stage assessments are favorable, higher-tier testing and residue studies may be waived. Unlike conventional pesticides, efficacy data is not required at the federal level, reducing costs to as low as ~1 million RMB (vs. 10-100 million for chemical pesticides) and shortening timelines to 3-4 years.
• New Product Registration: If using an already registered active ingredient, companies can leverage formulator’s exemption to reduce data costs. Formulation data is typically simple, keeping total registration costs below ~100,000 RMB with a 1-2 year timeline.

Companies should strategically choose registration pathways based on target markets—TE assessment in the EU to lower costs, and biochemical pesticide classification in the U.S. for faster approval. Additionally, regulatory distinctions between PGRs and bio-stimulants must be clarified to avoid compliance risks.

Other regions like Brazil and Australia also offer simplified policies for biochemical pesticides, including certain PGRs. Companies should evaluate multi-regional strategies to maximize market potential.

Recent Plant Growth Regulator Industry Updates

1. Mepiquat Chloride EU Re-Evaluation Update
   The EU PAFF Committee approved the re-evaluation draft, extending approval to Feb 2040 with unchanged specifications but adding N-methylpiperidine as a new impurity.
2. Yunsheng Bio & Jiangxi Weidi Strategic Partnership
   The two companies signed a global cooperation agreement on 28-homobrassinolide-based PGRs, combining international distribution with core R&D for sustainable agriculture.
3. Prohexadione Calcium Granted EU Equivalence
   Hebi Quanfeng’s prohexadione calcium received EU TE approval, supporting its expansion from 100 to 700 tons/year capacity for the European market.
4. ADAMA Registers Metamitron in the U.S.
   EPA approved ADAMA’s metamitron — a chemical thinner for apples/pears—with enhanced label clarity under new structured labeling guidelines.

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