EFSA is setting up a stakeholder consultative group to finalise the updated bee guidance document by the end of 2021. The group will be consulted at various stages during the review and provide input to the responsible EFSA scientific working group. Nominations for membership of the stakeholder group will be accepted from registered EFSA stakeholder organisations as well as non-registered bodies with an interest in the area of bee health.

Since the original guidance was published in 2013 new evidence has become available. The European Commission initiated the revision to include this new knowledge. A number of Member States also requested updating specific sections of the guidance.

In addition to the stakeholders, pesticide experts from Member States will be involved in the process, via EFSA’s Pesticides Steering Network.

The review will focus on the following points:

• Evidence on bee background mortality, taking account of realistic beekeeping management and natural background mortality
• Exposure routes, particularly through spray application and seed treatment or granular application
• The list of bee-attractive crops
• Higher tier testing methodology

EFSA will publish an outline of how it plans to address the mandate within the next two months, including timelines and details of the various consultations (e.g. a public consultation and workshop once the document has been drafted).

More information can be found at the following link:  https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press/news/190508

For advice on risk assessment and further information on the registration of plant protection products, biocides or general chemicals, or any other regulatory issues, please contact ERM on +44 (0)1423 520245, enquiries-harrogate@erm.com.