PAFF Standing Committee approves proposal on scientific criteria to identify endocrine disruptors in plant protection products

Background:

The endorsement took place following several rounds of discussions between the European Commission and the Standing Committee, in the framework of the Regulatory procedure with scrutiny (RPS). The criteria set out by this document are seen as a stepping stone for further actions to protect health and the environment.

This implementing act was put forward on 15 June 2016 to include the chemical substances falling under the Plant Protection Products Regulation (PPPR), together with a Communication providing an overview of the scientific and regulatory context and a delegated act with criteria applicable under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR).

Both the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament were scheduled to enjoy a period of 3 months for examination of the legal act before adoption by the Commission.

Representatives from Member States endorsed on 4 July 2017 a draft set of criteria put forward by the European Commission on scientific criteria to identify endocrine disruptors in the field of plant protection product.

• Primary Source

European Commission: DG Communication: MEMO/17/1907, 04.07.17: Endocrine disruptors - Frequently Asked Questions http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-17-1907_en.htm

ESO: Background information: Commission proposals on identifying endocrine disruptors http://www.europeansources.info/record/commission-proposals-on-identifying-endocrine-disruptors/

EurActiv, 22.12.16: EU member states still divided over endocrine disruptor regulation http://www.euractiv.com/section/health-consumers/news/eu-member-states-still-divided-over-endocrine-disruptor-regulation/

EurActiv, 05.07.17: EU experts agree on criteria for endocrine disrupting chemicals in pesticides http://www.euractiv.com/section/energy-environment/news/eu-experts-agreeoncriteria-for-endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-in-pesticides/

EUObserver, 05.07.17: EU adopts hormone disruptor standards https://euobserver.com/health/138434

France24, 05.07.17: EU moves to regulate hormone-disrupting chemicals http://www.france24.com/en/20170705-european-commission-legislation-hormone-disrupting-chemicals-endocrine

EurActiv, 20.07.17: [Opinion] Addressing endocrine disrupting chemicals requires an integrated strategy http://www.euractiv.com/section/endocrine-disruptors/opinion/addressing-endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-requires-an-integrated-strategy/

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