New EU Regulation on Plant Protection Products (EU PPP)

By Beth Raper, regulatory affairs lead

This Regulation updates European Union requirements for the labelling of plant protection products (PPPs) under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, replacing Regulation (EU) No 547/2011 and aligning provisions with the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) framework. It introduces mandatory dual-format labelling, requiring both physical and digital labels containing equivalent information, with digital access provided free of charge. 

The Regulation strengthens hazard communication through standardized phrases for hazard identification, risk mitigation, and safe disposal, supported by defined attribution criteria and risk assessment outcomes. New elements include specific warnings for bees and sensitization risks from micro-organisms, as well as provisions for treated seeds and parallel trade products. 

Enhanced traceability, improved clarity, and restrictions on misleading claims are also established. Transitional provisions ensure a phased implementation. The Regulation will apply from 1 January 2028, with legacy requirements temporarily maintained for existing authorizations. However, digital labeling becomes progressively mandatory, and all PPP labels must comply with digital label requirements by 1 January 2030.