Division 8.3.1 Effects on bees

Effects on bees shall be assessed and the risk evaluated, including the risk deriving from residues of the active substance or its metabolites in nectar, pollen and water, including guttation. Reports of the tests referred to in points 8.3.1.1, 8.3.1.2 and 8.3.1.3 shall be submitted, except where plant protection products containing the active substance are for exclusive use in situations where bees are not likely to be exposed such as:

1. (a)

   food storage in enclosed spaces;

2. (b)

   non-systemic preparations for application to soil, except granules;

3. (c)

   non-systemic dipping treatments for transplanted crops and bulbs;

4. (d)

   wound sealing and healing treatments;

5. (e)

   non systemic rodenticidal baits;

6. (f)

   use in greenhouses without bees as pollinators.

For seed treatments the risk from drift of dust during drilling of the treated seed shall be taken into account. As regards granules and slug pellets the risk from drift of dust during application shall be taken into account. If an active substance is systemic and to be used on seeds, bulbs, roots, applied directly to soil, irrigation water, or applied directly to or into the plant, for example by spraying or stem injection, the risk to bees foraging those plants shall be assessed, including the risk deriving from residues of the plant protection product in nectar, pollen and water, including guttation.

Where bees are likely to be exposed, testing by both acute (oral and contact) and chronic toxicity, including sub-lethal effects, shall be conducted.

Where exposure of bees to residues in nectar, pollen or water resulting from systemic properties of the active substance may occur and where the acute oral toxicity is < 100 μg/bee or a considerable toxicity for larvae occurs, residues concentrations in these matrices shall be provided and the risk assessment shall be based on a comparison of the relevant endpoint with those residue concentrations. If this comparison indicates that an exposure to toxic levels cannot be excluded, effects shall be investigated with higher tier tests.