Adverts for Plant Protection Products

The UK regulatory authority has recently issued advice to take account of changes being introduced as a result of requirements included in Regulation 1107/2009, which will apply from 14 June 2011 as follows: “Currently every advert for a plant protection product must contain the phrase ‘Always read the label. Use pesticides safely.’ The new regulation incorporates these phrases and provides that every advert for a plant protection product shall contain the following:

Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use

Where appropriate, a more precise description of the plant protection product may be allowed, for example ‘fungicide’, ‘insecticide’, or ‘herbicide’. It is acceptable for advertisers to start using the new phrases prior to 14thJune 2011 to ensure that they appear on all advertising and promotional material from that date. However, CRD will take a proportionate approach to dealing with any advertising material that does not meet the new requirements after 14 June 2011 provided the material has been amended at the earliest practicable opportunity. Under Article 66 an advert shall not include information in text or graphic form which could be misleading concerning possible risks to humans, animals or the wider environment. Terms such as ‘non-toxic’ or ‘harmless’ may not be used, although a product may be described in an advert as being ‘authorised as a low-risk plant protection product in accordance with Regulation (EC) 1107/2009’ provided it has been authorised as ‘low-risk’ under the Regulation.

An advert shall not include illustrations of potentially dangerous practices, such as mixing or applying without sufficient protective clothing, nor show use near food or use by or in the vicinity of children.

All advertising and promotional material must also draw attention to the warning phrases and symbols that are required on the product’s label. CRD would not expect advertisers to refer to all phrases and symbols in the text of an advert and reference to the company website or product label will in many cases be acceptable. However, in some instances it may be appropriate to make direct reference to a symbol or phrase and the onus is on the advertiser to determine what is appropriate in relation to the advertised claims.”

Further further information or advice contact JSC International  +44(0)1423 520245   enquiries@jsci.co.uk