22 substances in the hot seat
Date : 16 February 2009
At the beginning of the week, Europe’s parliamentarians decided not to renew authorisation in the European Union for 22 substances that are carcinogenic, toxic for reproduction or harm the endocrine system.
The excluded substances:
8 substances used in the composition of herbicides;
11 substances used in the composition of fungicides;
3 substances used in the composition of insecticides.
Essentially, this concerns Amitrole, Ioxynil, Tepraloxydim, Epoxiconazole, Iprodion, Metconazole, Tebuconazole, Thiacloprid, Carbendazim and Dinocap. This vote will facilitate the authorisation procedures for phytosanitary products in the EU by setting the principle of mutual recognition of products authorised in the zones of the EU (North, Centre, South).
Exceptions will be granted in the event of serious threats to plant health where there are no alternatives available.
Application of this new legislation will be staggered. Carbendazim and Dinocap will be banned from 2009. The last bans will only come into effect in 2018, after the authorisation has expired.
www.pleinchamp.com - January 13, 2009
