The European Commission has officially renewed the approval of glyphosate, a widely used active substance in plant protection products, through the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2660, dated 28 November 2023. This decision follows extensive evaluation and public consultation, ensuring compliance with Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, which governs the market placement of plant protection products.
Previously, the approval of glyphosate was extended until 15 December 2022, under Regulation (EU) 2017/2324. The Glyphosate Renewal Group, representing the applicants, sought renewal in December 2019. The Assessment Group on Glyphosate (AGG), comprising experts from France, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Sweden, conducted the renewal assessment.
After submitting the required dossiers and undergoing a rigorous evaluation process, including public consultation and review by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), glyphosate's approval was extended. The EFSA concluded that glyphosate, based on current scientific data, does not meet the criteria for classification as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction.
Glyphosate Conditions
The European Commission's renewal of the approval for glyphosate under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2660 comes with several specific conditions and restrictions to ensure human health and environmental safety. Several key conditions include:
- Impurity Limits and Risk Assessment: Set maximum limits for harmful impurities in glyphosate and conduct thorough risk assessments for effects on human health, small herbivorous mammals, and non-target plants.
- Environmental Protection Measures: Focus on protecting groundwater and surface waters from glyphosate contamination, particularly in vulnerable and permeable areas, and mitigate risks to biodiversity.
- Data on Glyphosate Formulations: Require detailed information on co-formulants in glyphosate products, ensuring they meet safety standards.
- Monitoring and Restrictions in Sensitive Areas: Implement stricter monitoring and restrictions for glyphosate use in sensitive areas such as public parks, gardens, and near schools or healthcare facilities.
- Special Attention to Non-Professional and Pre-Harvest Uses: Closely monitor and regulate glyphosate use by non-professionals and for pre-harvest applications, ensuring compliance with EU directives.
- Ongoing Evaluation and Confirmatory Information: Mandate submission of additional data on potential indirect effects of glyphosate on biodiversity and allow for continuous review based on new scientific findings.
The regulation emphasises the need for Member States to monitor the use of glyphosate in various conditions, including its use on non-agricultural applications, to minimise potential environmental and health risks. Special attention is required for non-professional uses, pre-harvest applications, and the protection of sensitive areas like public parks and playgrounds.
Renewal Period
The renewed approval period for glyphosate is set for ten years, reflecting the comprehensive assessments conducted since 2012, which have not identified concerns failing the approval criteria of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. However, the Commission remains open to reviewing the approval based on new scientific findings related to glyphosate's impact on health and the environment.
This renewal demonstrates the European Union's commitment to safeguarding public health and environmental integrity while considering the agricultural and economic implications of glyphosate use. The regulation enters into force three days post-publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and will apply from 16 December 2023.
