Commission Directive 2010/21/EU
of 12 March 2010
amending Annex I to Council Directive 91/414/EEC as regards the specific provisions relating to clothianidin, thiamethoxam, fipronil and imidacloprid
(Text with EEA relevance)
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Whereas:
Accidental releases of those active substances recently reported by several Member States have resulted in substantial losses of honey bee colonies. As a consequence, the Member States concerned have taken precautionary measures to temporarily suspend the placing on the market of plant protection products containing those substances.
Clothianidin, thiamethoxam, and imidacloprid may only be authorised for uses as insecticide, including the use as seed treatment. Fipronil, however, may only be authorised for uses as insecticide for use as seed treatment. The accidents reported by Member States concern the inappropriate use of those active substances to treat seeds.
To avoid future accidents, additional provisions, including appropriate risk mitigation measures, should be laid down for clothianidin, thiamethoxam, fipronil and imidacloprid.
Directive 91/414/EEC should therefore be amended accordingly.
The measure provided for in this Directive is in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: