EU Commission sets the criteria for regulation of safeners and synergists

After a long wait, the European Union (EU) is set to adopt a new regulation governing the approval of safeners and synergists (crucial ingredients in many pesticides) used in plant protection products. This long-awaited regulation is expected to be released in the ‘first quarter of 2024’.

Safeners and synergists are often combined with pesticides to:

• Protect crops from the harmful effects of the main pesticide ingredient (safener)

• Increase the effectiveness of the main pesticide ingredient (synergist)

Why New Regulations?

Safeners and synergists have previously flown under the radar, raising concerns about potential risks to public health and the environment. Current regulation hasn't adequately addressed these concerns and lacks specific data requirements for the authorisation of these substances.

Background

The initiative established data requirements for the authorisation of safeners and synergists, which were comparable to those for active substances under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. It also required the development of a work plan for the systematic, phased review of safeners and synergists already on the market when the Regulation went into effect. The European Commission published a draft Regulation on 22 November 2023. The European Commission was expected and received feedback from stakeholders, NGOs, and various associations & societies throughout Europe. The feedback period was 22 November 2023 to 20 December 2023.

Key changes in the draft Regulation! These include:

• Inclusion of recent scientific data.

• Establishes a work program to gradually review existing safeners and synergists used in plant protection products.

• Defines data requirements for approval, similar to those for active substances.

• Creates a list of all authorized safeners and synergists currently used in the EU.

• Allows interested parties to submit applications for approval of these substances under the new guidelines.

This new Regulation is expected to:

• Improve the safety assessments for safeners and synergists.

• Create a public list of authorized substances to improve transparency.

• Remove certain safeners and synergists from the market if they do not meet the safety criteria.

Overall, the new EU regulation represents a significant step towards ensuring the safety of pesticide ingredients and promoting environmentally responsible agricultural practices.

Source*

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