Ban on pymetrozine

26.11.2019

Question for written answer E-004038/2019
to the Commission
Rule 138
Jan Huitema (Renew)

Pymetrozine is a chemical plant protection product and a remedy against biting insects, particularly certain species of louse. When correctly used, the product kills the pest (the louse) while leaving other insects unharmed. In the EU assessment frameworks, this substance has been stripped of its EU authorisation, with the result that all its applications are becoming unavailable, including those that have been permitted under strictly controlled conditions in the various Member States and are safe for humans, animals and the environment. Pymetrozine is only used where problems arise in IPM systems with regard to crop growth. It is a remedy that is only used if there is a risk of imbalance between insect pests and predators. Alternative products, in many cases with a wider impact, which – at least in part – also harm biological control organisms, cause far more damaging side-effects. This consideration has been ignored in the assessment frameworks. Moreover, the current assessment framework does not take into account the rapid technological developments in precision plant protection which are reducing risks to humans, animals and the environment.

Is there a possibility of establishing a list of products that would be authorised subject to a number of stricter risk reduction measures?

Is the Commission considering re-examining the authorisation of pymetrozine provided that it is used only in closed, permanent greenhouses (as is the case for imidacloprid)?

To what extent can assessments/reassessments of substances take into account the latest technological developments enabling products to be used in a manner that is safe for humans, animals and the environment?