EU consults on REFIT evaluation of pesticide legislation

The European Commission opened public consultation, which aims to collect the views of citizens on the EU legislation on pesticides and pesticides residues. It seeks to receive information on how citizens view the strengths and weaknesses of the legislation and the perceived level of protection of human and animal health and the environment. 

 

Several authorities are involved in implementing the rules of the Pesticide and Pesticide residue Regulations:  EU Member States, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the European Commission. 

 

Bringing a pesticide to the market is a two-step process: Firstly, the active substance needs to be approved at the EU level. Secondly, the producer of a pesticide containing an approved active substance can apply for an authorisation of this product in individual Member States. In parallel, maximum residue levels are set at the EU level for the pesticide, if required. For crops grown outside the EU, maximum residue levels are set on the request of the exporting country.
 

This Public Consultation is part of a broader consultation strategy, which includes stakeholder surveys designed to collect the views of stakeholder organisations and Member State Authorities.
 

Further information on the consultation strategy, as well as links to the stakeholders surveys, can be found on a dedicated website of the European Union. The responses will be taken into consideration in preparation of a Staff Working Document, written by the European Commission, presenting the results of the REFIT evaluation.
 

The consultation will be closed on 12 February 2018.