Brussels,

Pesticides​

​The European Union (EU) has taken several measures to regulate and control the use of pesticides to ensure the protection of human health and the environment.
​What to know
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1. Regulatory Framework: The EU has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for pesticides. The main legislation governing pesticides is Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, which sets out the approval process for active substances and the authorization of plant protection products (pesticides) within the EU.
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2. Risk Assessment: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) plays a vital role in conducting risk assessments of active substances used in pesticides. EFSA evaluates the potential risks associated with their use and provides scientific opinions on their safety to inform regulatory decisions.

3. Authorization Process: Before a pesticide can be marketed and used within the EU, it must undergo a rigorous procedure.. The process involves a thorough evaluation of its potential risks to human health and the environment. Only pesticides that meet the EU's stringent safety standards and demonstrate an acceptable risk-benefit balance are authorized.
4. Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs): The EU sets maximum residue levels for pesticides in food products. These MRLs ensure that the presence of pesticide residues in food is within safe limits for consumers. Regular monitoring and enforcement activities are carried out to ensure compliance with these standards.

5. Pesticide Reduction Targets: The EU has set ambitious targets to reduce the overall use and risk of pesticides. The EU's Farm to Fork Strategy, which is part of the Green Deal, aims to reduce the use and risk of chemical pesticides by 50% by 2030. It promotes the adoption of sustainable pest management practices and the use of alternative methods to minimize reliance on pesticides.

6. Integrated Pest Management (IPM): The EU promotes the use of Integrated Pest Management, an approach that focuses on preventing and managing pests through a combination of environmentally friendly practices, biological control, and reduced pesticide use. IPM is encouraged as a key strategy to achieve sustainable agriculture while minimizing the impact of pesticides on the environment and human health.

7. Monitoring and Reporting: The EU conducts monitoring programs to assess pesticide residues in food products and the environment. Member States are required to report their monitoring results, enabling the identification of potential risks and the implementation of appropriate measures.

8. Research and Innovation: The EU supports research and innovation in the field of pesticides. Funding programs, such as Horizon Europe, provide resources for research projects aimed at developing safer and more sustainable pest control methods, promoting alternatives to chemical pesticides, and improving risk assessment methodologies.

9. Public Information and Transparency: The EU ensures transparency by providing access to information related to pesticides. The European Commission's website offers resources, guidelines, and databases on pesticides, enabling the public, stakeholders, and professionals to access relevant information.


EU Pesticide Database

The EU Pesticides Database allows users to search for information on active substances used in plant protection products, Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) in food products, and emergency authorisations of plant protection products in Member States.

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​Select a Database

The database contains information on active substances (including those that are low-risk or candidates for substitution) and basic substances, either approved or non-approved in the EU. Some safeners and synergists are also listed but these have not yet been assessed at EU level.
Users can search for a particular food product (e.g. oranges) and retrieve the MRLs for all pesticide residues that apply to that product.
The Databese contains the pesticides residues and the MRLs that apply for such residues in food products. Select a particular pesticide residue in specific food products and find the current or historical MRLs that legally apply.
You can also download data on MRLs.
Here, the lasest  updates related to MRLs.
Emergency authorization for pesticides in the EU is a mechanism that allows Member States to grant temporary authorization for the use of specific pesticides in cases of emergency plant protection situations. These situations typically involve the rapid spread of harmful organisms (such as pests, diseases, or weeds) that pose a significant threat to plant health, agricultural production, or the environment.

​The emergency authorization is regulated by Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market. According to this regulation, emergency authorizations can be granted under certain conditions:
  1. Risk Assessment: The Member State requesting emergency authorization must provide a risk assessment that demonstrates the need for immediate action and justifies the potential risks associated with the use of the pesticide.
  2. Notification to the European Commission and other Member States: The Member State intending to grant an emergency authorization must inform the European Commission and other EU Member States about the emergency situation and the proposed measures.
  3. Limited Timeframe: Emergency authorizations are granted for a limited time period, usually for a maximum of 120 days.
  4. Specific Conditions: The authorization may include specific conditions, such as restricted use patterns, application methods, and dosage, to minimize risks to human health and the environment.
It's important to note that emergency authorizations are exceptions and are only granted in exceptional circumstances where no other satisfactory solutions are available. The EU encourages the use of sustainable and integrated pest management practices to minimize the reliance on emergency authorizations and chemical pesticides.

EU Pesticide Legislation and Refit

EU pesticides laws refer to the regulatory framework established by the European Union to govern the authorization, use, and control of pesticides within its member states.

These laws are aimed at protecting human health and the environment while ensuring the effectiveness of pest management practices in agriculture and other sectors.

The main legislative texts concerning the use of plant protection products (pesticides) in the EU include:

  1. Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009: This regulation lays down the rules for the authorization of plant protection products (pesticides) within the EU. It establishes criteria for assessing their safety, efficacy, and potential risks to human health and the environment. Consulting this Regulation, remember to read the last consolidated version. Applicable penalities.
  2. Regulation (EU) 2021/2115. This regulation establishing rules on support for strategic plans to be drawn up by Member States under the common agricultural policy (CAP Strategic Plans) and financed by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) and by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1305/2013 and (EU) No 1307/2013. Consulting this Regulation, remember to read the last consolidated version.
  3. Directive 2009/128/EC: Known as the "Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive," this legislation aims to promote the sustainable use of pesticides and reduce their impact on human health and the environment. It sets out measures for training and certification of pesticide users, establishment of integrated pest management (IPM) principles, and the reduction of pesticide risks. Consulting this Regulation, remember to read the last consolidated version. The proposal for a Regulation COM(2022) 305 on the sustainable use of plant protection products (PPP) (pesticides), aiming at reducing their use by 50% by 2030, and repealing this Directive, was withdrawal in February 2024 after the negative vote of the European Parliament in November 2023.
  4. Regulation (EC) No 396/2005: This regulation sets maximum residue levels (MRLs) for pesticides in food and animal feed products. It ensures that the consumption of such products within the EU remains safe for consumers. Consulting this Regulation, remember to read the last consolidated version.
  5. Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008: Also known as the "CLP Regulation," this legislation deals with the classification, labeling, and packaging of substances and mixtures, including pesticides. It aims to harmonize hazard communication across the EU. Consulting this Regulation, remember to read the last consolidated version.
  6. Regulation (EU) No 2019/1021: Known as the "PIC Regulation," this law deals with the export and import of hazardous chemicals, including certain pesticides, and establishes procedures for obtaining prior informed consent. Consulting this Regulation, remember to read the last consolidated version.
Other Legislative texts:
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EU Pesticide Guidelines

EU has established strict safety guidelines for the use of pesticides to ensure the protection of human health, the environment, and biodiversity. These guidelines cover various aspects of pesticide management, including their authorization, application, and monitoring. Here are some key safety guidelines for pesticides in the EU:


  1. Authorization and Evaluation: Pesticides must undergo a rigorous evaluation process before being authorized for use within the EU. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducts scientific assessments to determine their safety and potential risks. Only those pesticides that meet the EU's strict safety standards are granted authorization. Check the full procedure.
  2. Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs): The EU sets Maximum Residue Levels for pesticides in food and animal feed products. These MRLs define the maximum allowable concentration of pesticide residues in foodstuffs. Compliance with MRLs ensures that the consumption of food within the EU is safe for consumers.
  3. Sustainable Use: The EU promotes the sustainable use of pesticides through the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive (2009/128/EC). This directive encourages Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, which focus on using multiple pest control methods and reducing pesticide use to the necessary minimum.
  4. Training and Certification: Pesticide users, such as farmers and professionals, are required to undergo proper training and obtain certification to ensure the safe handling and application of pesticides.
  5. Buffer Zones: Buffer zones are established around sensitive areas, such as schools, residential areas, and water bodies, to minimize pesticide drift and potential exposure to non-target organisms.
  6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Pesticide users must wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, and clothing, during handling and application to protect themselves from exposure.
  7. Record Keeping and Monitoring: Users of pesticides are required to maintain detailed records of pesticide applications, including the type, amount, and location of use. Regular monitoring helps track pesticide use and potential impacts on the environment.
  8. Risk Assessment: Pesticides that pose risks to bees, other pollinators, or other non-target organisms are subject to specific risk assessments and additional restrictions.
  9. Emergency Measures: The EU can impose emergency measures, such as bans or restrictions, on pesticides if new evidence suggests unforeseen risks to human health or the environment.

​By implementing these safety guidelines, the EU aims to ensure that pesticides are used responsibly and sustainably, minimizing potential adverse effects on human health and the environment while supporting effective pest management practices in agriculture and other sectors.

Environment impact

This section is dedicated to the environmental impact of pesticides and the EU's efforts to mitigate the negative effects through sustainable practices and alternative pest management strategies.
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The European Directive 2009/128 establishes a framework for community action to achieve a sustainable use of pesticides. It lays the foundations for several regulatory measures aimed at reducing the use, risks, and impacts of plant protection products (certiphyto certification, inspection of spraying equipment, usage restrictions in sensitive areas, prohibition of aerial spraying, obligation to implement integrated pest management, etc.).

It also requires each Member State to adopt a national action plan. Two key indicators are derived from this plan:

1. Quantity of active substances (QSA): This refers to the volume of active substances contained in plant protection products that are sold annually. The indicator is calculated based on sales data from pesticide distributors.

2. Number of dose units (NODU): NODU corresponds to the area that would be treated with the maximum authorized doses of pesticides sold annually. When related to the total agricultural land area in France, it represents the number of treatments applied at full dosage on one hectare. This indicator takes into account the use of new substances that are effective at lower doses, as it relates the quantity applied to a specific dose unit (DU) for each substance.
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Reducing of the use of Pesticides
In the Farm to Fork Strategy presented in May 2020, the Commission indicate the objective of 50% reduction in the use and risk of chemical pesticides and a 50% reduction in the use of more hazardous pesticides, by 2030.
Harmonised Risk Indicators
The European Commission has to calculate Harmonised Risk Indicators at Community level and to make the results available to the public.

Member States are obliged to:

  • calculate the Harmonised Risk Indicators at national level
  • identify trends in the use of certain active substances 
  • identify priority items, such as active substances, crops, regions, or practices that require particular attention, or good practices that can be used as examples 
  • communicate the results of these evaluations to the Commission and to other Member States and to make this information available to the public

Both the European Commission and Member States must complete these tasks for each calendar year and at the latest, 20 months after the end of the relevant year.