A significant step forward in the preservation of bee health and biodiversity has been announced with the launch of the B-risk for biocides online tool. This new resource is intended to assist businesses, scientists, and authorities in evaluating the hazards that biocidal agents represent to bees. It was created as a joint effort under the “one substance, one assessment” concept.
Extending the Reach of Bee Risk Assessment
The European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) popular B-risk tool, which was first created for plant protection products (pesticides), was modified to create the B-risk for biocides tool. By customizing it to the unique demands of biocidal products particularly insecticides, the new tool directly aids users in undertaking complete risk assessments under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR).
In keeping with broader EU initiatives to reverse the decrease of pollinators, this program is essential for promoting bee health and biodiversity throughout Europe.
Key Benefits and Alignment with New Guidance
The new tool is meant to guarantee compliance with the ECHA’s 2024 Bee Guidance, which will be essential for biocides evaluations filed from February 2026 onwards.
Key features and benefits of the B-risk for biocides tool include:
- Biocide unique Exposure Assessment: Tailored to mimic the unique ways bees may be exposed to biocidal products.
- User-Friendly Interface: A step-by-step layout that automates intricate calculations.
- Scientific Alignment: It fosters a common understanding of risk and is in line with the scientific principles outlined in EFSA’s 2023 Bee Guidance for pesticides.
- Integrated Support: An integrated user handbook gives clear advice during every stage of the evaluation process.
Access and Platform Details : B-risk for biocides tool
The B-risk tool is available to users via ECHA’s Support websites. They will be referred to EFSA’s R4EU site, which hosts the tool. It doesn’t require installation and may be viewed immediately online. Registration on the R4EU portal and acceptance of EFSA’s conditions of usage are mandatory to get access.
The development of the B-risk for biocides tool represents a significant point in the preparation for the ECHA’s 2024 Guidance to assess the risks to bees from the use of biocides, which was issued in February 2024. The recommendation applies to new applications for biocides evaluations submitted from February 2026, though it does not apply to active chemicals currently included in the review process.








