Regulatory Evolution of Neonicotinoid Insecticides as Plant Protection Active Substances in Europe

Abstract

Neonicotinoid (NN) insecticides derived from natural insecticide nicotine are EU chemical crop protection systemic active substances that are controversial regarding their toxicity and ecotoxicity, especially versus pollinators and birds. Clearly, the last European evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority exhibited a danger to wild and managed bees. Concomitantly, the decline in birds was partially attributed to this class of substances, which constitutes a family in itself, both in Europe and the USA. At the regulatory level, following the initial approval waves in 2011 and 2019, and mainly taking into account these ecotoxicological considerations, the commission banned the use of three NN insecticides in 2013 (imidacloprid, clothianidin, and thiamethoxam), and later, only one NN (acetamiprid) was renewed. Four NN approvals were removed by the end of approval or non-renewal in 2019 and 2020, and two are currently concerns for renewals in 2025, even if extensions of the approval durations of these NNs are to be expected due to the current slowness of the renewal procedure. Therefore, from the total number (17) of NN insecticide molecules known all over the world, up to seven NN were approved by the EU plant protection Regulation EC 1107/2009 between 2011 and now. All of these active substances are listed in Parts A and B of Regulation EU 540/2011 managing active substances. The regulatory evolution of these agrochemicals is analysed in this work, from the corresponding global modifications in terms of the number of active substances, employment, functions, uses covered, protected crops, and maximum residue limits. We also analysed their ability to persist as an agrochemical family and the potential of the inclusion of new NN members together with their current restrictions during their active substance life in Europe.