Principles and problems of pesticides legislation

Abstract

AbstractThe present paper deals with a number of aspects concerning principles and problems of pesticides legislation. Consideration is first given to the definition of the term pesticide, both in the context of legislation, which requires a precise description, and for the purpose of international organisations, such as for example the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission. A general outline is given of the pesticide situation, summarising the benefits derived from the use of pesticides, and the risks involved concerning man, environment and food. The necessity of regulations in this field is stipulated, though it is emphasised that such regulations should not jeopardise justified plant health requirements. Consideration is further given to the criteria, which are relevant in any approval scheme, mandatory or voluntary, for pesticides. The main criteria should refer to efficacy and risk of undesirable side‐effects on the basis of toxicological and environmental data. Reference is given to some principles of the present Netherlands Pesticides Act and of the proposed amendments. A survey is given of the present position within the European Economic Community with respect to harmonisation of tolerances, and of the difficulties encountered in the FAO/WHO Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues in agreeing on international tolerances. A certain degree of uncoupling of tolerance regulations from national use pattern regulations would be desirable. The question is raised whether it is theoretically possible to cover all requirements in one single tolerance figure, applicable world‐wide, and thought might be given to a dual value system.