ECHA’s new guidance paves way for better protection of bees from biocides
ECHA’s guidance document presents an approach to assess the risks of biocides to honey bees, bumble bees and solitary bees, based on the latest scientific knowledge. It addresses the uses of products such as insecticides and acaricides (product-type 18). Substances in these products may, for example, harm the bees’ nervous system and weaken their immune system, so that they are more susceptible to diseases.
The guidance will assist companies applying for active substance approvals or product authorisations under the EU’s Biocidal Products Regulation to conduct the risk assessment for their applications. It also explains the guiding principles for authorities to evaluate applications and to conclude on a biocidal product’s compliance with the authorisation conditions. ?