Brussels, 18/04/2011 (Agence Europe) - The EU Agriculture Council failed, on Thursday 14 April, to reach qualified majority either for or against the re-inclusion of carbendazim in the catalogue of authorised substances in the EU. Thus, it will be for the European Commission to take a decision. It is expected to go with the positive opinion delivered by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and renew authorisation of this fungicidal active substance.
Active substances to be used as plant protection products are assessed and authorised at EU level and are listed in Annex I to Directive 91/414 creating a harmonised framework for the authorisation and placing on the market of these substances. Under the current provisions, it is still possible to include a hazardous substance in Annex I, providing that the exposure is restricted to acceptable levels.
The Commission said at the Council meeting that, in the light of the scientific evidence and current legislation, there is no reason to refuse continued authorisation of this substance. The rapporteur member state (Germany) and EFSA concluded that, given it is possible to predict acceptable uses, carbendazim may be expected to satisfy the requirements laid down in Directive 91/414, provided that adequate risk mitigation measures are applied, and that the current restrictive approach is maintained. For this reason, an inclusion for the concerned substance was proposed, with specific conditions of use, close monitoring and a limitation of the validity of authorisations (three and a half years rather than the usual 10 years).
At the Council, only Ireland among member states said that it was changing position. It went from those countries which want renewal of the authorisation to join the abstainers. (L.C./transl.rt)