Division 10.3.1 Effects on bees

The possible effects on bees shall be investigated except where the plant protection product is 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 plant protection products 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.

Testing shall be required if:

• the plant protection product contains more than one active substance,

• the toxicity of a plant protection product cannot be reliably predicted to be either the same or lower than the active substance tested, in accordance with the requirements set out in points 8.3.1 and 8.3.2 of Part A of the Annex to Regulation (EU) No 283/2013.

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 the plant protection product is systemic and to be used on seeds, bulbs, roots, applied directly to soil, for example sprayed on to soil, granules/pellets applied to soil, irrigation water, or applied directly to or into the plant, for example by spraying or stem injection, then 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.