Answer given by Mr Andriukaitis on behalf of the Commission
9.3.2017
The criteria to identify endocrine disruptors (EDs) that were endorsed by the Commission on 15 June 2016 in the context of the implementation of the Plant Protection and Biocidal Products Regulations (PPPR and BPR)[1] are based on the World Health Organisation definition of an ED and maintain the high level of protection of human health and the environment set by the BPR and PPPR.
The precautionary principle, on which both the BPR and the PPPR are based is fully maintained and will continue to be applied in cases where scientific uncertainty precludes a full assessment of the risk.
In line with its international treaties' obligations, the EU has notified the two draft acts containing the criteria to Word Trade Organisation Members. Non-EU countries have had the possibility to comment on them and their comments are publicly available on the Commission's website[2].
Concerning the second question of the Honourable Member, the Commission is not aware of any internal Commission document indicating that the European Food Safety Authority scientific findings on endocrine disruptors would have been a foregone conclusion.
- [1] Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market, OJ L 309, 24.11.2009, p. 1‐50 and Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2012 concerning the making available on the market and use of biocidal products, OJ L 167, 27.6.2012, p. 1‐123
- [2] http://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/tbt/en/search/?tbtaction=search.detail&Country_ID=EU&num=383&dspLang=en&basdatedeb=&basdatefin=&baspays=EU&basnotifnum=&basnotifnum2=&bastypepays=&baskeywords