Navigation path
Page navigation
Additional tools
Sustainable use of biocidal products
Background
In the context of the revision and in line with its commitment made in the Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides, the Commission is also looking at the use phase of biocidal products. In particular, the Commission is investigating whether additional measures, other than the product approval process set out in the Biocides Directive, are necessary to ensure a sustainable use of biocidal products. Possible measures could include similar measures as those envisaged for plant protection products in the Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides and the proposed Framework Directive establishing a framework for Community action to achieve a sustainable use of pesticides.
Some aspects of the use of biocidal products are already addressed in the authorisation process. According to Directive 98/8/EC, when granting the authorisation to place a biocidal product on the market, competent authorities may impose conditions on the use of the product, restrict the users thereof or stipulate other relevant risk management measures. The risk management measures in the authorisation are, therefore, always relevant only for the concrete biocidal product. Provisions on sustainable use would, however, look at the risks arising from the use of all biocidal products. Measures aimed at ensuring the sustainable use of biocidal products would be applicable to a group of, or all biocidal products.
Expert workshop on the use phase
In order to obtain more information on the current situation and the suitability of additional measures, the Commission organised on 23 April 2008 an expert workshop bringing together experts from Member States, civil society and industry. The conclusions of this expert workshop are available here.
Study on the use phase
In 2008, the Commission contracted a study on the assessment of different options to address risks from the use phase of biocidal products. The study highlights the need to obtain further information on the quantities of active substances and biocidal products available on the EU market. It looks at the risks identified with respect to the use phase of biocidal products and at the measures already taken at the Member State level. Finally, the study assesses the different options and measures (e.g. reducing the quantities, reducing hazardousness, reducing releases and exposure and prevent development of resistance) which are available to address the identified risks. The Commission is currently in the process of evaluating the conclusions of the study before it decides to take any measures.
Documents:
- Study on the assessment of different options to address risks from the use phase of biocidal products
- Annex 1 - Summary descriptions of product types 1-23
- Annex 2 - Member States legislation on the use phase
Study on best practices
In 2010, the Commission contracted a study 'Towards the development and dissemination of best practice on sustainable use of biocidal products'. The objective of this study is to identify the existing best practices for all 23 product types that have been developed by the competent authorities of Member States or the industry in order to ensure a sustainable use of biocidal products. Furthermore, the study examines the ways how the concept of best practices could be best adapted and used at the Union level. The information will help the Commission decide what role the best practices shall play in any future policy on the sustainable use of biocidal products.
Documents: