EC gave advice on Austria’s risk based system for plant protection products control

The European Commission’s Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) has published a report which describes the outcome of a FVO audit in Austria, carried out between 03 and 11 March 2015, under the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 on official food and feed controls and Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009.

 

The objective of the audit was to evaluate the system for official controls on the marketing and use of Plant Protection Products (PPPs).

 

A comprehensive, risk based system is in place in Austria for official controls on the marketing of PPPs. This is complemented by the specific requirements in Austria for traceability of PPPs placed on the market, which is a strong point allowing for the identification of illegal/counterfeit pesticides. However, the weaknesses identified with regard to labelling checks of PPPs, the low number of samples taken for formulation analysis and the limited checks of PPP imports could restrict the assurance that PPPs placed on the market comply with the conditions of the authorisation. At grower level, inspections performed cover most relevant issues. Although there is insufficient verification that Integrated Pest Management (IPM) general principles are followed and that restrictions for pesticides of the neonicotinoid group are adhered to, there is a high level of awareness of these issues among growers. The prohibition of aerial spraying, the systems in place for training of professional users and testing of application equipment and the networks for pest monitoring and professional advice provide further guarantees for the safe use of PPPs. Controls at seed treatment facilities and, in particular, labelling checks of treated seeds are weak. The insufficient communication and co-operation between Competent Authorities is a limitation for the effectiveness and efficiency of official controls in the area of PPPs.

 

The report makes a number of recommendations to the competent authorities, aimed at rectifying the shortcomings identified and enhancing the implementation of control measures.