GB Plant Protection Products Regulation

From 1 January 2021, an independent pesticides regulatory regime came into operation in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). NI remains largely within the EU process, but both UK systems are overseen by CRD (Chemicals Regulation Division), part of the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

All relevant EU PPP regulations have been retained in UK law, with certain operational amendments, and keep the same official titles, for example, Regulation (EC) 1107/2009. Whilst therefore the laws for Great Britain and Northern Ireland have similar titles, over time requirements for registrants are expected to diverge.

Key aspects of the new GB PPP regulation:

All existing active substance approvals, plant protection product authorisations and MRLs (maximum residue levels) continue to be valid in GB
Active substance approvals due to expire before December 2023 have been extended for 3 years
Applications for new active substance approvals, PPP authorisations and MRLs should continue to be submitted to CRD/HSE in the existing format
Active substances must be approved in GB before they can be included in plant protection products authorised for use in GB
Seed that has been treated with a product authorised for that purpose in an EU member state can continue to be traded and used in GB until 31 December 2023. After this date, treated seed can only be traded and used in GB if it has been treated with a PPP authorised for that purpose in GB

PPP and the Northern Ireland Protocol

Under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement and Northern Ireland Protocol (NIP), Northern Ireland remains within the jurisdiction of EU PPP and MRL regulations 1107/2009 and 396/2005. Whilst Northern Ireland no longer has a role in EU decision making and cannot act as a lead evaluator, Mutual Recognition into Northern Ireland continues. In January 2025, the Northern Ireland Assembly will vote on the potential continuation of the NIP. If the vote is in favour of replacing it, there will be a two-year transition.

TSG's UK plant protection regulation consulting

We offer a wealth of expertise, gained from industry, government, and research providing you with effective support and guidance for ensuring and gaining regulatory compliance for active substances and plant protection products across the UK and Europe
Our multidisciplinary team of scientists, regulatory and registration specialists allows us to provide support across a range of areas, including study monitoring, task force management, dossier preparation including CADDY services
We have an extensive pan-European infrastructure with offices in France, Spain, Germany and the UK offering focused, local registration support
We provide strong and proactive project management to ensure that our clients’ needs are identified and met in a timely manner

Why TSG

TSG provides companies with high-quality regulatory and scientific consulting services. We aim to understand our clients' goals and objectives, learn the scientific and technical aspects of projects and anticipate compliance challenges to plan a strategic path forward. TSG's team of experts is deadline-focused, responsive and committed to professionalism. We have the utmost respect for the confidentiality of our work, strong project management skills, and take great measure to cultivate long-term partnerships with clients.

Our professionals

TSG's team of scientists and regulatory consultants manage all aspects of approving active substances and products for the plant protection industry. Key professionals working in the plant protection team include Iain Watt – Head of Plant Protection, Gareth Marshall, Lesley Last and Elinor Smith.

Meet our consultants

UK plant protection products - frequently asked questions

What’s the process for active substance renewals of approval?

The CRD has launched plans for its own renewal process for active substance approvals. However, this will take time to fully develop and implement, so steps have been taken in the meantime to minimize inconvenience and disruption to the PPP industry. For instance, where the expiry date of approval for an active substance is three years or less from the end of the Transition Period (December 2020), the approval has been extended for three years from the existing expiry date.

Get in touch at [email protected] if you have any questions about your active substance renewals of approval.

Do I still need to apply for Article 43 product reauthorisation submissions?

Yes, Article 43 product reauthorisation submission deadlines will still need to be applied in Great Britain post GB renewal decision, and in Northern Ireland in line with decisions in the EU.

Which Article 43 product reauthorisation submission deadlines do I follow for Northern Ireland?

For the duration of the Northern Ireland Protocol (and beyond) EU Article 43 product reauthorisation submission deadlines will be applicable in Northern Ireland.

Am I required to have a UK based entity or responsible person to register plant protection products in the UK?

No. Unlike the REACH, Cosmetics and other regulations, companies are not required to have a UK based entity or responsible person in order to hold GB plant protection product approvals and sell into the UK market.