The FVO recently hosted a three day workshop on laboratory checks for the detection of illegal or counterfeit pesticides. Representatives from 24 Member States and relevant services of the European Commission participated in the event. Attendees comprised both inspectors involved in controls and laboratory experts involved in quality checks of pesticides. The FVO had concluded a series of audits on pesticides in Member States in 2014. One of the common weaknesses identified was in the area of laboratory checks of pesticides, where controls in the majority of Member States were insufficient. All pesticides (also called plant protection products) marketed and used in the EU must be authorised prior to placing on the market. As part of this process, the precise formulation of the product is specified. Formulation analysis is a critical part of controls, as one of the tools to verify if products are manufactured using this precise formulation, and hence, to detect illegal and counterfeit products. Illegal and counterfeit products are estimated to comprise 10 % of the EU market. These products undermine the very high standards of food safety and environmental protection, central to EU legislation in this area. Participants exchanged examples of good practices from experience gained in controls at importers, manufacturers and distributors and from formulation analysis. All participants agreed on the need to enhance systems to share information and best practices between all Member States, to improve the control systems for plant protection products throughout the EU. Overall, the workshop was a great success, and even the Irish weather obliged providing three days of sunshine and balmy temperatures, reaching a high of 17 degrees Celsius!