EU Pesticides Regulation Includes Comparative Assessment for Substances, Approval Criteria
October 5, 2009 // Published as a news service by IHS
The European Council adopted a regulation on Sept. 24 to replace the current legislation setting out rules on the authorization of pesticides, also known as "plant protection products" in the European Union (EU).
The new regulation, according to the European Commission (EC), will result in increased protection of human health and the environment from the use of pesticides; lead to better protection of agricultural production; and extend and deepen the single European market for pesticides..
The legislation contains provisions on:
- Zonal mutual recognition for pesticides.
- Comparative assessment for substances that are more problematic than others.
- Criteria for the approval of active substances.
- Inspection and monitoring on the production, storage, transport and use of pesticides.
- A simplified evaluation and authorization procedure.
- A definition of the role of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
- Data protection and data sharing.
- A method for informing neighbors on the use of pesticides.
- A reduction in tests on vertebrate animals.
The new legislation will become effective later this year and fully applicable 18 months after its publication date.
Androulla Vassiliou, EC health commissioner, said, "I am happy to see this regulation being adopted under my current turn as Commissioner for health. The new regulation will establish the most modern and protective system for the health of consumers worldwide. Furthermore, it also benefits our farmers, as it ensures their own protection and the promotion of safer products."
For more information, see the EC web page on Plant Protection - Pesticide Residues.
Source: European Commission (EC).