Biocidal products for non-agricultural uses: common rules for national authorisations

In adopting the report by Mrs Kirsten JENSEN (PSE, DK), by 310 votes to 27 and 11 abstentions, Parliament opposed the idea that it should be possible for a biocidal product authorized by a single national authority to be authorized automatically by other national authorities within 60 days. It wished national authorities, which at present had to rely on information made available by companies, to have access to sufficient documentation. The EP considered that the levying of green taxes could help limit and bring about change in the use of biocides, and called for the implementation by the Member States of action plans designed to reduce consumption of biocidal products. The EP approved Article 9(7) of the proposal concerning alternative evaluation allowing the authorities to reconsider an authorization granted. Also adopted was an amendment providing that the Member States may authorize antifouling products used on seagoing vessels of over 25 metres for a period of ten years from the directive's entry into force. If legislation is adopted by the IMO within this time limit, this provision will lapse. �