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

The rapporteur stressed the effects of chemical products on human health and particularly highlighted the findings made with regard to the diminishing quality of male sperm. Mrs Jensen particularly deplored the attachment to the proposal, during second reading, of two new annexes whose content was unknown. She condemned the fact that, as a result of this manoeuvre, Parliament would have to accept framework provisions with governments being able to choose the most appropriate solution in terms of how to implement these. Replying to the criticisms made about the lack of transparency, Commissioner Bjerregaard explained that the annex’s wording would be based on a complete risk assessment. The problem was complex as it did not just relate to environmental proposals. Of the 41 amendments tabled, 21 were acceptable to the Commission.