Launch of new Biopesticides Scheme

Background

In Regulatory Update 10/2004, we outlined a pilot scheme to investigate the best practice for processing applications for alternative control products. The scheme covered pheromone products, plant extract products and products containing a biological organism.

As part of the pilot scheme we have held several pre-submission meetings to encourage and assist applications for alternative control products. Three products successfully gained approval;

• a pheromone to control codling moth in apple and pear orchards,
• a virus for protection from damage caused by virulent Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus (ZYMV) infection of Cucurbits, and
• a fungal agent for the control of Sclerotinia sclerotiorumand Sclerotinia minoron susceptible protected and outdoor agricultural, horticultural and ornamental crops.

Following the success of the pilot scheme, we are pleased to announce the introduction of a permanent Biopesticide scheme to facilitate more alternative products to enter the market.

Key elements of the scheme are:

• The appointment of a 'Biopesticide Champion' (Lisa Moakes), who will provide initial contact for product innovators/manufacturers, and help them through the approval process.
• The provision of specific guidance to applicants (via free pre-submission meetings) identifying the best way forward. We strongly encourage potential applicants to contact us at the earliest possible stages of product development.
• The provision of more accessible information on the regulatory process with a new Biopesticide area on our website. This will be developed considerably over the coming months.
• Reduced costs for evaluations.

Fees and Charges

The description 'Biopesticide' covers a wide spectrum of potential products, but for the purpose of this scheme we intend to divide these into four categories and charge the following (maximum) fees:

1. Products based on pheromone and other semiochemical: £13,000.
2. Products containing a microorganism (e.g. bacterium, fungus, protozoa, virus, viroid) £22,500.
3. Products based on plant extracts: £22,500.
4. Other novel alternative products, not included in the above categories, will be considered for inclusion in the scheme on an individual case by case basis. The Fee will reflect the complexity of evaluation required.

An additional £7,500 will be payable if any of the above categories require European consideration as part of PSD's evaluation.

Contact Information

If you have any queries concerning the Biopesticide scheme, or you would like to hold a 'pre-submission' meeting with us, please get in touch with our Biopesticide champion, Mrs Lisa Moakes, email lisa.moakes@hse.gsi.gov.uk, or telephone 01904 455952.

Update Reference

Regulatory Update 09/2006

Issued: 30 March 2006