Division 2.7 Storage stability and shelf-life: effects of temperature on technical characteristics of the plant protection product

The stability of the plant protection product after accelerated storage for 14 days at 54 °C shall be determined and reported. Data generated from alternative time/temperature combinations (for example 8 weeks at 40 °C, 12 weeks at 35 °C or 18 weeks at 30 °C) may be submitted as alternative accelerated storage data. Consideration shall be given to performing this test in packaging made of the same material as the commercial packaging.

If the active substance content after the heat stability test has decreased by more than 5 % from the initial value, then information on the breakdown products shall be supplied.

For liquid plant protection products, the effect of low temperatures on stability shall be determined and reported.

The shelf life of the plant protection product at ambient temperature shall be determined and reported. Where shelf life is less than two years, the shelf life in months, with appropriate temperature specifications, shall be reported. The ambient temperature stability test shall be performed in packaging made of the same material as the commercial packaging. Where appropriate, data on the content of relevant impurities, before and after storage, shall be provided.