Labelling of Plant Protection Products

How is the environment affected
Several of the substances used in plant protection products are hazardous
to the environment. This means that they may be difficult to break down
(persistent), accumulate in living organisms or be directly toxic, for
example to aquatic organisms. Persistent substances accumulate in the soil
over several years and in the longer term may have an impact on water
quality. Plant protection products may enter watercourses or the groundwater
as a result of wind drift, evaporation, surface runoff or leaching in
the soil. Residues of chemical substances are regularly encountered in
surface water and groundwater. The aim is to reduce unnecessary dispersal
to the environment so that residue levels in surface water and groundwater
are as low as possible.
EU rules to reduce risks
The eu works jointly to improve the rules relating to plant protection
products. An important aim is to reduce the quantity of hazardous
chemical substances.
Recent developments
• A new plant protection products regulation has been adopted in the eu
which means, among other things, that hazardous substances have to
be replaced by less hazardous ones.
• The eu’s review programme for plant protection products has meant
that substances of very high concern may no longer be used.
• A new directive for sustainable use of pesticides 3 has been adopted in
the eu.
• A new regulation on the classification, labelling and packaging of
substances and mixtures 4 has come into force.
What can companies do
Companies manufacturing or selling plant protection products are
responsible, under current rules, for labelling them correctly. The rules on
labelling are wide-ranging, including special requirements regarding how
the information that reaches the user is to be formulated. The particulars
shown on the label and in the associated directions for use must provide
information on what risks use of the product poses and how to protect
oneself against unnecessary or harmful exposure. By designing labels and
directions for use in a clear and easy-to-read way, manufacturers and sellers
of plant protection products can assist farmers and other users in reducing
the risks in handling.
3. Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council 2009/128/ec establishing a framework
for Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides.
4. Regulation (ec) No 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures.
7