Defra consultation on implementing European pesticides legislation

Defra have recently held a consultation on the approach to be taken in implementing the EC Directive on the Sustainable use of Pesticides (Directive 2009/128/EC) and two provisions in a Regulation on Plant Protection Product Authorisations (Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009) which may need to be implemented by domestic legislation.

It also sought views on the case for developing new charging arrangements using powers in the European legislation on pesticides.

Responses to the consultation

The consultation has now closed and the summary report and the Government response to the Consultation have been published.  The summary report provides an indication of the breadth of views expressed across the range of stakeholder groups that responded.

Summary of responses

The consultation has established that the UK’s long-standing and rigorous regulatory regime for plant protection products and other existing statutory and voluntary controls, places it in a good position with respect to many of the areas covered by the Directive.  Only relatively minor changes to current arrangements are necessary to meet the new requirements. 

Defra will carry out two further consultations:

• In early 2011 there will be a consultation on draft legislation containing enforcement provisions to support Regulation 1107/2009 and introducing some new regulatory elements from Regulation 1107/2009.  This consultation will also include a second draft statutory instrument which will introduce new fees and charges provisions.
• Later in the year, there will be a consultation on the draft legislation for implementing the Sustainable Use Directive in England and Wales.