COUNCIL OF
THE EUROPEAN UNION
Brussels, 24 January 2013
5667/13
AGRI 37
PHYTOSAN 1
NOTE
from:
Dutch delegation
to:
Council
Subject:
EFSA conclusions on the risk assessment for bees for three neonicotinoids
Delegations will find attached a note from the Dutch delegation on the abovementioned subject, to
be dealt with under "Any other business" at the Council (Agriculture and Fisheries) on
28 January 2013.
________________________
5667/13
GSC/mp
1
DG B 2
EN
ANNEX
Information note from the Netherlands delegation on EFSA conclusions on the risk
assessment for bees for three neonicotinoids (23 January 2013)
The Netherlands requests an AOB point for the AGRIFISH Council of 28 January 2013 regarding
the EFSA conclusions on the risk assessment for bees for three neonicotinoids. Delegations will
find some more information on this issue below.
Background
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) was asked by the European Commission (EC) to
perform a risk assessment of neonicotinoids, as regards the risk to bees.
EFSA reported on 16 January 2013 their conclusions for three active substances, imidacloprid,
thiamethoxam and clothianidin from the neonicotinoid group. EFSA based its conclusions on the
evaluation of the uses of the substances applied as seed treatments or granules on a variety of crops
currently authorised in Europe.
Missing information, so-called data gaps were identified. This information is required to allow for a
finalisation of the risk assessment, so states EFSA.
Next to data gaps EFSA identified concerns. More specifically high risks for bees were identified or
could not be excluded from exposure via dust drift in uses in maize, oil seed rape and cereals for all
three substances.
Objective
The importance of honeybees and pollinators is acknowledged broadly, not only in the Netherlands
and Europe, also on a global scale. A sound environment, including biodiversity and agriculture, is
partly relying on pollinator populations. Risks to bees should therefore been taken very seriously.
The Netherlands would like to ask the European Commission to take action on community level
where high risks have been identified or could not be excluded in relation to certain aspects of the
risk assessment for honey bees.
5667/13
GSC/mp
2
ANNEX
DG B 2
EN
For the aspects, where the risk assessment could not be finalised due to the data missing, the
Netherlands takes the view that
- an EU harmonised approach for the follow-up of further assessment is the best way forward.
- Therefore, we would urge European Commission, EFSA and member states to prioritise the
finalisation of the EFSA guidance document for risk assessment. This enables the setting of
data needed for finalisation of the risk assessment for bees. Notifiers/applicants (‘the
industry’) have the obligation according to Regulation (EC)1107/2009, to demonstrate that
all requirements are met.
5667/13
GSC/mp
3
ANNEX
DG B 2
EN
Document Outline