Comparative assessment of plant protection products containing candidates for substitution

Date: 21 April 2020

Plant protection products containing existing active substance(s) that are listed as candidates for substitution (see previous Academy Article), undergo a comparative assessment (CA) before a possible product authorisation or re-authorisation. This assessment is conducted by each concerned Member State (i.e. not the zonal Rapporteur Member State) at use level where an (re-)authorisation of the plant protection is requested.

The concept of comparative assessment is detailed in SANCO/11507/2013, as well as EPPO standard PP 1/271 and includes, but is not limited to, the evaluation/assessment of chemical or non-chemical alternatives, regarding

  • their efficacy
  • their risk of developing resistance, including the availability of chemical alternatives with several mode of actions
  • their effects on minor uses and the availability of products for minor uses
  • the exposure of different population subgroups (e.g. workers, …, consumers)
  • their long term effects on organisms living in soil or an aquatic environment and
  • the practical and economic feasibility.
A special situation arises, when a plant protection product contains a new active substance which is a candidate for substitution. In this case a product authorisation might be granted without a comparative assessment to gain the necessary experience to conduct such an assessment thereafter. This – special - authorisation must not exceed a period of five years.

Dörte Goertz