Canada updates neonicotinoid assessments

The re-evaluations of clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam were announced in 2012 (Reevaluation Note REV2012-02, Re-evaluation of Neonicotinoid Insecticides). These reevaluations were initiated to assess the potential risk to pollinators in light of international updates to the pollinator risk assessment framework, including information requirements. This Re-evaluation Note provides an update on these re-evaluations.

These re-evaluations consider all outdoor and agricultural uses of these neonicotinoid insecticides including soil and foliar applications, seed treatments, and greenhouse and tree injection uses. Both short and long term effects of various exposures are being considered to honey bees and native bees (such as bumblebees).