MEPs approved a new regulation on the pest control products that introduce stricter controls in order to better protect human health and the environment, while streamlining the marketing approval process. Council, which has already provisionally agreed to the new legislation, must give a formal green light for it to enter into force.

The European Parliament approved a new legislation on pest control products. This new regulation is aimed to better protect human health and the environment, while streamlining the marketing approval process. Agricultural pesticides will continue to be covered by other EU legislation while the updated legislation closes a loophole so that treated products - such as furniture sprayed with fungicide or anti-bacterial kitchen worktops. Environment Commission at the EP gave its green light to the new legislation in October 2011.

The new legislation further harmonises the EU market for biocidal products and sets deadlines for applications to be assessed. The recognition of approvals among Member States will be improved and the possibility to apply for authorisation at EU level will be phased in from 2013, becoming possible for most biocidal products by 2020. In addition, companies will be required to share data in exchange for fair compensation, to avoid duplicating tests on animals.

With regard to the most problematic substances, such as those that are carcinogenic, should in principle be banned. Exceptions should only be made in Member States where strictly necessary, for example if a biocide is needed to safeguard against a specific danger to health. Furthermore, secured separate safety checks and labelling for products containing nano-sized materials is introduced in the legislation.