Brexit affects crop protection authorization

Brexit will also have a significant impact on the authorization of plant protection products, as various products are produced in the United Kingdom (UK). In addition, the country is an important research partner for the Netherlands.

Dutch companies that sell plant protection products are preparing for Brexit. In doing so, serious account is taken of a no-deal, whereby no trade agreement is concluded with the European Union. This is also very disadvantageous for the crop protection sector, industry association reports Nephyto.

Complicated import
Some products are produced in the UK. If there are no agreements regarding the import, this may no longer be possible in the future or only via complicated routes. Nefyto foresees difficult situations and would like to prevent it.

A number of Nefyto members participate in international working groups to address the problem. It is difficult to predict the outcome of Brexit. Nefyto cannot rule out that certain product flows will be affected. The crop protection industry tries to prevent this.

Registration procedure
The authorization of new active substances and the re-registration of existing products are also not taken into consideration. The approval of an active substance in the European Union works with zones. The Netherlands falls in the central zone. In addition to Germany, the UK is also in this area. Now the UK can approve a substance, after which the Netherlands takes over. You can find more about this in the article: This is how the Ctgb assesses PPPs.

"The Netherlands takes many of the authorizations from the UK. As soon as a (no-deal) Brexit comes into effect, this is no longer possible," says Nicole van Straten, manager of scientific assessment at the Board for the Authorization of Plant Protection Products and Biocides ( ctgb). "Current files are completed and transferred in a timely manner. In addition, the UK is an important player in the field of authorizations. They are excellent colleagues who carry out a lot of research. They may no longer be used."

Niels van der Boom

Niels van der Boom is a senior market specialist for arable crops at DCA Market Intelligence. He mainly makes analyses and market updates about the potato market. In columns he shares his sharp view on the arable sector and technology.

n.vanderboom@boerenbusiness. Nl

© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.