European Union has taken an important step towards improving the safety and transparency of plant protection products with the updated Regulation (EU) No 547/2011. With the updating of Regulation (EU) No 547/2011, this project intends to harmonise labelling standards, improve risk communication to end users, and ensure the application of strong safety safeguards and sustainability. This EU Plant Protection Product Labelling Updates attempts to make information clearer and more accessible to farmers and other users, while also harmonising with the EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy.
It is essential for all consumers of plant protection products to comprehend these significant improvements.
Standardised Risk Mitigation Phrases: Clear and concise language shall be presented. These terms will be grouped according to evaluations of the risks to the environment and human health.
Enhanced Bee Safety: Agrochemicals, that might endanger bees will be prominently marked with a particular phrase and symbol.
Micro-organism Sensitization Warnings: To warn and alert consumers to the possible sensitisation effects of microorganisms employed in plant protection products, precautionary statements shall be incorporated.
Combating Illegal Trade: Plant protection product covered by ‘a parallel trade permit’ will be required to have a special label that includes the batch number, manufacturing date, permit number, and details about the permission holder.
Improved Research Labelling: Plant protection products used in research and development must have clearer labelling instructions that highlight their experimental nature and the need for utmost caution.
Improved Disposal Guidance: To reduce packaging waste, standardised language will be used to instruct consumers on how to properly dispose of plant protection product containers.
Colour-coded Labelling: To rapidly convey the hazard status of the active ingredients, the existence of microorganisms, and if the product is approved as low-risk, a colour-coded scheme shall be used on labels.
Accessibility of Digital Labelling: Digital labels will be made available to users through links or machine-readable forms, including features like voice assistance, auto-search, bigger fonts, and multilingual support.
Feedback Period for EU Plant Protection Product Labelling Updates :
The public is invited to provide feedback on the proposed amendments from January 6, 2025, to February 3, 2025.
Entry into Force:
The EU Plant Protection Product Labelling Updates is expected to enter into force on ‘January 1, 2026.’
The Farm to Fork Strategy, which seeks to reduce dependency on chemical plant protection products, is in line with this strategy. The EU wants to enable consumers to make educated decisions and reduce any hazards to the environment, animal health, and human health by increasing labelling clarity and risk communication.
