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Invertebrate biological control agents (IBCAs) against plant pests
The EU’s policy on invertebrate biological control agents (IBCAs) is aimed at promoting safer and more sustainable alternatives to chemical plant protection products. IBCAs are invertebrates such as insects, mites or nematodes that feed on, or antagonise, harmful organisms and can therefore be used as a form of natural pest control. The Commission presents them as part of the broader shift toward a more environmentally friendly food system, in line with the Farm to Fork Strategy and the goals of the European Green Deal.
A key issue identified by the EU is that the introduction, marketing and use of IBCAs are not harmonised at Union level. Rules differ significantly between Member States, and the Commission notes that these differences may limit availability, create imbalances across the EU, and reduce the overall potential of biological control for the benefit of human health and the environment. This concern led to Council Decision (EU) 2021/1102, which asked the Commission to study the current situation and identify options for improvement.
The Commission’s work therefore focuses on assessing how IBCAs are introduced, evaluated, produced, marketed and used across the EU, while also looking at best practices from non-EU countries. The policy debate includes possible improvements such as more consistent definitions, criteria and procedures under subsidiarity, or even a more fully harmonised EU-wide system with a comprehensive risk assessment. (
To support this process, the Commission carried out an IBCA study with the help of an external contractor and input from Member States, industry, growers, foresters, NGOs, scientific organisations, academia and international bodies. The study examines the regulatory situation, market data, current shortcomings and possible ways forward. The Commission has published both its reply letter to the Council and the IBCA study, alongside the contractor’s full report and executive summary.
Overall, the EU approach to IBCAs is still evolving, but its direction is clear: to make biological pest control more effective and more accessible by addressing fragmentation in national rules and by exploring whether a more coherent regulatory framework is needed across the Union.
A key issue identified by the EU is that the introduction, marketing and use of IBCAs are not harmonised at Union level. Rules differ significantly between Member States, and the Commission notes that these differences may limit availability, create imbalances across the EU, and reduce the overall potential of biological control for the benefit of human health and the environment. This concern led to Council Decision (EU) 2021/1102, which asked the Commission to study the current situation and identify options for improvement.
The Commission’s work therefore focuses on assessing how IBCAs are introduced, evaluated, produced, marketed and used across the EU, while also looking at best practices from non-EU countries. The policy debate includes possible improvements such as more consistent definitions, criteria and procedures under subsidiarity, or even a more fully harmonised EU-wide system with a comprehensive risk assessment. (
To support this process, the Commission carried out an IBCA study with the help of an external contractor and input from Member States, industry, growers, foresters, NGOs, scientific organisations, academia and international bodies. The study examines the regulatory situation, market data, current shortcomings and possible ways forward. The Commission has published both its reply letter to the Council and the IBCA study, alongside the contractor’s full report and executive summary.
Overall, the EU approach to IBCAs is still evolving, but its direction is clear: to make biological pest control more effective and more accessible by addressing fragmentation in national rules and by exploring whether a more coherent regulatory framework is needed across the Union.
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