Plant protection products

The authorisation of plant protection products in Europe follows a harmonised approach based on Commission Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009.The status of the active substances respective the list of approved active substances can be searched on the "EU-Pesticides database".

In 2009 the European body of laws concerning the authorisation and use of Plant Protection Products was basically adopted. Further information is provided from the website of the European Commission.

The Directive 2009/128/EC on the sustainable use of pesticides aims at reducing the risk linked to the use of pesticides, improving the quality and efficacy of pesticide application equipment, ensuring better training and education of users and developing integrated pest management schemes.

In Germany, the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (Bundesamt für Verbraucherschutz und Lebensmittelsicherheit, BVL) co-ordinates applications for authorisation of new active substances. The BVL evaluates the dossier and summarises all results in a draft assessment report (DAR) for the European Commission. Further, the member states and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) decide on approval or non-approval of the active substance.

The EFSA publishes numerous background and guidance documents regarding the risk assessment of plant protection products.

In addition, the European Commission has issued numerous Öffnet externen Link in neuem Fensterguidelines on the approval procedure of active substances and plant protection products.

Hydrotox GmbH offers services concerning the determination of biodegradability and aquatic ecotoxicity (acute/chronic) e.g. with fish, daphnia, algae, and macrophytes. Studies with sediment or soil organisms are offered by co-operation partners.