8 Legislative Reforms That Could Transform Biocontrol in Europe

The EU is preparing to modernize its biopesticide regulation and regulatory framework for biocontrol products. These proposed reforms aim to streamline approval processes, reduce costs and accelerate innovation. This blog outlines eight key legislative changes that could reshape the future of sustainable crop protection in Europe. 

1. Streamlined Approval Processes and Green Priority Lanes

Fast-track procedures for biocontrol products, like those used for feed additives and biocides, would reduce approval timelines to under three years. Member States should establish priority lanes for evaluation and authorization. 

2. Proportional, Risk-Based Regulation 

Biocontrol products are central to integrated pest management strategies and should be regulated based on their specific risk profiles. This means reduced data requirements and lower costs, especially benefiting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 

3. Centralized Evaluation Agency 

Applicants should be able to submit dossiers to a dedicated branch of a centralized agency, such as EFSA, with biocontrol expertise. This agency would coordinate evaluations among Member States and enable EU-wide authorization, ensuring consistency and efficiency. 

4. Removal of Re-Registration for Biocontrol 

Biocontrol active substances should be approved for an unlimited period, eliminating the need for renewals and freeing up resources for new evaluations. 

5. Provisional Authorization 

Updating Article 30 would allow Member States to grant provisional authorizations for biocontrol products that meet safety criteria, reducing reliance on emergency authorizations. 

6. Facilitated Label Expansion 

Label extensions to additional crops should be allowed with minimal supplementary data when the same pest or disease is present. This approach reflects the unique, low-risk nature of biocontrol products, which often raise fewer concerns regarding efficacy, phytotoxicity or crop residues compared to chemical pesticides. Accelerating label expansion will enable farmers to quickly access new uses for existing biocontrol products, promoting flexibility and innovation in crop protection. 

7. Automatic Mutual Recognition of Authorizations 

Once a product is authorized in one Member State, it should be automatically recognized across all others unless a justified objection is raised within 120 days. This would eliminate duplication and speed up market access. 

8. Toward a Future-Proof Regulatory Framework 

By 2028, the EU should implement a comprehensive framework that: 

• Consolidates approval and authorization processes 
• Establishes a dedicated biocontrol agency 
• Moves to a “one market, one assessment” model 
• Adapts risk assessment procedures to biocontrol diversity 

Biopesticide reform is essential for accelerating innovation and sustainability in European agriculture.