Pesticide and plant protection producers will face up to a three-year wait if they want to put new products on the EU market if Britain crashes out with a no-deal from Europe.
The latest Brexit technical notice from the government warns that businesses producing pesticides will have to apply for a separate permit in the EU if Theresa May fails to strike a deal with Europe.
Pesticide applications within the UK will not change, however, with product standards to continue as normal. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will continue to administer the domestic approval regime, with format and data requirements staying the same.
The government stated: “The key change would be that if a business wishes to place a new pesticide on the EU market they will need to make a separate application to the EU, a process which could take up to three years.”
Farming minister George Eustice said: “Delivering a negotiated deal with the EU remains the government’s top priority, but it is our job to responsibly ensure we are prepared for all scenarios, including no deal.
“Whether the UK leaves the EU with or without a deal will not change the high scientific standard to which decisions on the use of pesticides are made. We will continue to be guided by the most up-to-date scientific assessment of the risks to people, animals and the environment.”
Should the UK manage to strike a deal with Europe, something which remains up in the air, Britain will continue to follow EU regulations on Maximum Residue Levels, as well as following decisions on pesticide approvals during the implementation.
During the implementation period the UK will not be able to act as a “leading authority” under the EU regime, and the HSE will be unable to conduct active substance or MRL evaluations.
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