What legislation regulates the marketing of pesticides?

The main legal instrument that currently governs agrochemicals in Europe is Directive 91/414/EEC. The Directive regulates the placing of crop protection products on the market and harmonises national product approval requirements throughout Europe. Before being placed on the market, all active substances are evaluated at EU level, and the products containing the approved active substances are evaluated at national level, by taking into account specific local variations in climate, cropping and diet. Both EU and national evaluations are performed by highly qualified and independent scientists. The key criterion to decide whether the pesticide shall be authorised or not, is a thorough scientific assessment of any possible risks to health and environment. The Directive 91/414 is currently being replaced by a new regulation.

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