Environmental groups, including Générations Futures and Alerte Planète, with the support of Extinction Rebellion, filed a complaint in Lyon against BASF after the discovery of banned pesticides at their facility in Genay, north of Lyon. This discovery was confirmed by a Dreal report which substantiated the presence of two prohibited products found during an unauthorized visit by activists. The groups are seeking to hold BASF accountable for violations related to the possession and distribution of pesticide products containing active substances that have been banned for several years within the European Union.

The complaint comes amid growing concerns over the impact of pesticides on the environment and public health, which has prompted stricter regulations within the EU. The activists' actions reflect a broader movement calling for more significant corporate responsibility regarding environmental regulations. As they continue to challenge large corporations, such incidents highlight the potential risks and penalties associated with non-compliance to chemical regulations in the EU.

Furthermore, this incident raises questions about the oversight mechanisms in place for chemical manufacturing facilities and the effectiveness of regulatory bodies in enforcing standards. The outcome of this legal case could set a precedent for how similar complaints are handled in the future and may influence public and corporate attitudes towards pesticide usage and environmental compliance.