EU developments in the regulation of Plant Protection Products
EU developments in the regulation of Plant Protection Products
On Wednesday December 3rd, 2025, Kerona Scientific held its 6th Virtual Dublin Plant Protection Symposium. This annual event serves as a platform to delve into critical issues within the EU and GB/NI landscapes, drawing insights from key stakeholders in the plant protection industry. Among the various speakers, Lennert Vissers (European Commission’s DG SANTE, Biocides and Pesticides Unit) provided an important update on the European Union (EU) developments in the regulation of Plant Protection Products (PPP). Several new regulations and updates were discussed.
The new Regulation on Safeners and Synergists (EU 2024/1487) introduces specific data requirements, IUCLID submissions from April 2026 and a transitional period for products already on the market until 2030.
The revision of the data requirements and Uniform Principles for products and active substances are in their final phase and will reflect the new guidance on bees, birds and mammals and water treatment processes, alongside strengthening the requirements for co-formulants and the assessment of developmental neurotoxicity, as well as reinforcing the use of new approach methods.
To facilitate assessments of co-formulants, the European Commission is also developing a common database using information provided by Member States and EFSA. Currently, the list is under evaluation by ECHA, and a final list is expected by early 2026. There are also new CLP hazard classes (ED, PBT, vPvB, PMT, vPvM), which will affect both active substances and PPP mixtures as updated classifications become mandatory starting in 2025 for active substances and 2028 for PPPs.
An upcoming update of PPP labelling can also be expected, which will introduce digital labels, new risk-mitigation wording, specific statements for treated seeds, and a new bee hazard pictogram. Entry into force is expected mid-2026, with application for new and renewal dossiers from 2027.
Further updates included new guidance on water treatment processes, ongoing work on the FOCUS surface water scenarios, EFSA’s revision of terrestrial ecotoxicology guidance, and discussions on Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA).
The presentation concluded with an update on the Food & Feed Safety Simplification Omnibus, which aims to streamline EU procedures, reduce the regulatory burden and enable faster assessments. It will introduce target amendments in biocontrol, mutual recognition, data protection, treated seeds and on increasing efficiency of approval and authorisations procedures. The proposal is expected to be adopted by the end of 2025.
If you missed the Dublin Plant Protection Symposium, please contact Kerona if you wish to obtain a copy of the presentations. For assistance with the Regulation of PPP in the EU and UK the Kerona Regulatory team can be contacted at info@kerona.ie