About the sustainable use of pesticides
Directive 2009/128/EC aims to achieve a sustainable use of pesticides in the EU by reducing the risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment and promoting the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and of alternative approaches or techniques, such as non-chemical alternatives to pesticides. Many of the actions taken by Member States under the Directive are also relevant to the Biodiversity Strategy and the Farm to Fork Strategy, which includes the adoption of pesticide reduction targets. EU countries have drawn up National Action Plans to implement the range of actions set out in the Directive.
The main actions relate to training of users, advisors and distributors of pesticides, inspection of pesticide application equipment, the prohibition of aerial spraying, limitation of pesticide use in sensitive areas, and information and awareness raising about pesticide risks.
EU countries must also promote Integrated Pest Management, for which, general principles are laid down in Annex III to the Directive.
The main purpose of this web-portal is to provide:
- key information on the sustainable use of pesticides and
- links to relevant information contained on official websites in the Member States.
There is a search function to help find the links you are looking for.
Reports from the Commission
Second Report from the Commission (May 2020) and Annex to the European Parliament and the Council on the experience gained by Member States on the implementation of national targets established in their National Action Plans and on progress in the implementation of Directive 2009/128/EC on the sustainable use of pesticides.
First Report from the Commission (October 2017) to the European Parliament and the Council on Member State National Action Plans and on progress in the implementation of Directive 2009/128/EC on the sustainable use of pesticides.
Search Member States' Information
![]() | The search tool gives access to Member State websites on the sustainable use of pesticides. |
Events
- 14-15 October 2021
Commission hosted a 2nd Farm to Fork Conference, including a thematic workshop on ‘Reducing pesticides use and risk’. - 10 August 2021
Commission publishes updated Harmonised Risk Indicators for 2019 - 31 May 2021
Commission publishes progress on Farm to Fork pesticide targets - 27 August 2020
Commission publishes updated pesticide risk indicators for 2018 - 20 May 2020
2nd Report of the Commission to the Parliament and the Council on progress in the implementation of Directive 2009/128/EC on the sustainable use of pesticides - 20 May 2020
Farm to Fork Strategy – for a fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly food system - 5 February 2020
Report of the European Court of Auditors on Sustainable use of plant protection products - 5 February 2020
Report on joint SANTE-ESTAT workshop for agricultural statisticians and SUD experts - 12 November 2019
EC SUD implementation monitoring: New audit reports published - 28 May 2019
Adoption of Commission Directive on Harmonised Risk Indicators - 15 May 2019
Member States benefit from BTSF sessions on Integrated Pest Management and Pesticide Equipment Testing
Related links
- National Action Plans (English)
- Overview Report- Sustainable Use of Pesticides
- Search our Database for Audit Reports on the Sustainable Use Directive
- Directive on Harmonised Risk Indicators
- Low Risk Plant Protection Products
- Monitoring and Surveying of Impacts of Pesticide Use
- Training for Governmental Officials (BTSF)
- Standards for inspection of Pesticide Application Equipment
- Inspection of Pesticide Application Equipment (External Links)
- Links to Related Policy Areas