Understanding EU Plant Protection Product (PPP) Registration: Key Insights from Article 33

drone spraying crops

Bringing a new plant protection product (PPP) to the EU market involves navigating through a complex regulatory framework. At the core of this process is  Article 33 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, which outlines the essential data and documentation required for product authorization within the European Union. This article serves as the foundation for regulatory authorities to assess the safety, efficacy, and environmental impact of your product, ultimately determining whether it can be authorized for sale and use in the EU. 

Our recent white paper, “Unlocking EU Market Access: A Strategic Guide to Article 33 for Plant Protection Products” explores this regulatory landscape in depth. But if you're looking for a quick overview and actionable insights, this blog post highlights the key takeaways from Article 33 and what they mean for companies aiming to introduce innovative crop protection solutions in Europe. 

What Data Does Article 33 Require? 

To support a robust regulatory review, Article 33 mandates comprehensive data across several key areas:  

  • Administrative Fundamentals: Applicant and product identification details for traceability and processing. 
  • Product Characterization: Information on formulation, composition, and physical properties. 
  • Analytical Validation: Methods for identifying and quantifying active substances and residues. 
  • Efficacy Confirmation: Field data demonstrating performance against target pests or diseases. 
  • Toxicology Data: Assessment of potential risks to human health. 
  • Residue Evaluation: Data on residue levels in crops, food, and feed to ensure consumer safety. 
  • Environmental Fate: Evaluation of environmental behavior and impact and determination of the Predicted Environmental Concentrations (PEC) of the active substance in soil, water, and air following the proposed uses of the product. 
  • Labeling and Safety: Packaging, labeling, and safety instructions (SDS). 
  • Overall Summary: A consolidated overview of all data supporting the product’s safety and effectiveness. 

A Strategic Benefit: Data Protection 

Article 33 offers a valuable incentive for innovation by providing protection for the data you own and that has been used to support your product authorization. If your submission includes proprietary, novel data that is essential to the authorization process, it will be eligible for up to 10 years of protection; low-risk products will be granted 13 years of protection. This exclusivity helps safeguard your investment and prevents competitors from relying on your data during that period. In certain cases, such as additional applications for label extensions for minor uses, data protection periods could be extended up to a maximum of 13 years, or 15 years for low-risk products, offering even greater strategic value. 


Related

A Strategic Guide to Article 33 for PPPs

Get the White Paper

Related

A Strategic Guide to Article 33 for PPPs

Get the White Paper

Need Expert Help? 

The volume and complexity of Article 33 requirements can be challenging. That’s where Battelle Agriculture comes in. We provide expert support throughout the EU PPP registration process, including: 

  • Tailored Regulatory Strategy 
  • Expert Advice on Data Generation and Management 
  • Dossier Preparation and Submission 
  • Study Management and Monitoring 
  • Risk Assessment and Mitigation    
  • Liaison with Regulatory Authorities 
  • Post-Authorization Support 
  • Ongoing Monitoring of Regulatory Updates 

Learn More 

Understanding Article 33 is essential for a successful EU market entry. For a deeper dive into the requirements and how Battelle can support your registration journey, download our white paper: 
Unlocking EU Market Access: A Strategic Guide to Article 33 for Plant Protection Products”. 

Contact us today to explore your market access options and accelerate your path to approval.

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Posted
June 25, 2025
Author
Battelle Insider
Estimated Read Time
4 Mins
White Paper

Unlocking EU Market Success

Explore key considerations in bringing plant protection products to market in the European Union.

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