Introduction

Classes and uses of pesticides

Legal framework

Approval Levels

Scientific information in the regulatory process.

Risk Assessment Process

Constitution and function of the various organisations

Management of pesticides in the future.

PESTICIDE REGULATION WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION..

The European Commission

The European Commission is one of the main instigators in the preparation, formulation, implementation and monitoring of binding decisions taken by the European Union. It presents proposals to the European Council and the Parliament. The Council and Parliament can only enact legislation on the basis of a proposal from the Commission.

The Council of the European Union

The Council is the organ which represents the Member States at EU level. It has executive powers, makes decisions, and performs the role of a legislative chamber. Among other things, the Council is consulted on new legislation, for example establishing a new scheme or regime. (Directive 91/414/EEC on the authorisation of plant protection products went through Council procedure), or where amendments are being proposed to the main legislation. Since the Amsterdam Treaty came into force in 1999, the Council and the European Parliament jointly decide on legislation (the ‘codecision’ procedure).

The European Parliament

The European Parliament is the parliamentary institution of the EU, directly elected since 1979. Its role was originally limited to advising the Council and to monitoring the activities of the Commission. More recently its powers, influence and involvement in a wide range of EU business have been increased.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is the keystone of European Union (EU) risk assessment regarding food and feed safety. In close collaboration with national authorities and in open consultation with its stakeholders, EFSA provides independent scientific advice and clear communication on existing and emerging risks.

Regulatory Committees

Regulatory committees comprise representatives of the Member States dealing with a specific area. They give their opinion on decisions about the regulations to apply in general areas such as food law, common veterinary or plant health standards, etc. The regulatory committee reporting on pesticide matters is the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCFA). The SCFA considers data for approval of new active substances and for the review of existing active substances. A corresponding committee, the Standing Committee on Biocides, considers matters relating to biocidal products.

Scientific Committees

Scientific committees are made up of representatives of relevant social and occupational groups appointed by the Commission. Scientific advisory committees give advice on consumer health and food safety. The Scientific Committee on Plant (SCP) reports on pesticides issues. The SCP addresses scientific and technical questions relating to plants intended for human or animal consumption, production or processing of non-food products and characteristics liable to affect human or animal health or the environment.

Proposals on Plant Protection Products

Proposals on active substances in the plant protection products regime are drafted by the Commission and put to the Evaluation Working Group for consideration of technical issues. The proposals are based on reports from EFSA which in turn are informed by expert consideration of evaluations of plant protection products by member states at EFSA peer review co-ordination (EPCO) meetings. The Evaluation Working Group is largely a technical meeting and all Member States are represented.

Once most or all Member States are happy with the draft proposal, it is moved to the meeting of the Working Group on Pesticide Legislation for discussion. This group is more political and one where 25 sets of national interests come into play. The Commission in practice tries to ensure that there is agreement to the proposal at this stage before it is put to the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCFA) for a ‘vote’. Armed with this, and with input from advisory committees, the Commission makes the final decision.