REGULATORY
UPDATES & MORE
EU
EU proposes to restrict use of bifenthrin
European Commission proposes uses of bifenthrin is restricted in greenhouses with a permanent structure and that member States have to withdraw authorizations for outdoor use of plant protection products containing that substance. This draft Regulation only concerns the placing on the market of this substance and does not affect the EU or the EU member States Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for residues of the concerned pesticide.
Products covered : Bifenthrin (pesticide active substance) HS Code: 291639
Proposed date of adoption: 1 February 2018
Proposed date of entry into force: Member States have to withdraw the existing authorizations for outdoor use of plant protection products containing bifenthrin 3 months after the date of entry into force. A grace period of maximum 15 months may be granted by the EU member States for disposal, storage, placing on the market and use of existing stocks.
Final date for comments: 60 days from notification
Europe adopted scientific criteria for biocides
Following the endorsement by Member States, on 4 July, of the scientific criteria to identify endocrine disruptors in the field of pesticides or plant protection products, the European Commission adopted yesterday the scientific criteria for biocides. This will allow to fully align the criteria in both legislations, as the objective is to have the same criteria applicable in both sectors.
The adopted text will be sent to the Parliament and the Council for a scrutiny period of two-months. As for the criteria for pesticides, the criteria adopted today also specify that the identification of an endocrine disruptor should be carried out by taking into account all relevant scientific evidence including animal, in-vitro or in-silico studies, and by using a ‘weight of evidence’-based approach.
It is important to note that the criteria in the area of pesticides and biocides will apply also to substances for which assessment or re-evaluations are already ongoing.