Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 establishes a framework for the authorisation, sale, use, and control of plant protection products within the European Union.

It targets products intended to protect plants, control growth, or manage undesirable vegetation. An active substance, whether a chemical, plant extract, or microorganism, must meet stringent criteria before approval, ensuring it effectively protects plants without posing harm to human or animal health, causing unacceptable environmental effects, or inflicting unnecessary suffering on vertebrates. Any residues must be safe, particularly for vulnerable populations, and eco-friendly.

Approval decisions can include restrictions and are initially valid for up to 10 years, extendable to 15 years for low-risk substances. The European Commission, along with national authorities, oversees the approval process, which includes peer review by Member States and the European Food Safety Authority. A mutual recognition procedure allows authorised products to be marketed in other Member States.

This regulation is supported by several legislative measures, including Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011 as regards the list of approved active substances, which is amended regularly.

Related regulations:

• Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market

• Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011 implementing Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 as regards the list of approved active substances