Easier Rules for Safer Food and Feed

What the problem is
Farmers and food‑and‑feed businesses in the EU face a lot of paperwork and slow approval times for new plant protection products, especially biocontrol (biological) products. The rules that decide who can sell these products, how long approvals last, and how data are protected are confusing, uneven across Member States, and often keep useful products out of the market.

How the problem is being solved
The Commission proposes a single “Food and Feed Simplification Regulation” that amends ten existing EU rules. Key changes are:

• Biocontrol products – clear definitions, faster approval, and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) can act as the “rapporteur” Member State, giving it more expertise and speed.
• Active substances – most approvals become unlimited in time (except for substances that are hazardous or need periodic review).
• Mutual recognition – easier cross‑border authorisation of plant protection products, especially those with only biocontrol or low‑risk substances.
• Data protection – a single EU‑wide period for test reports, making it easier for new suppliers to enter the market.
• Record keeping – farmers no longer need to keep detailed records for biocontrol products.
• Grace periods – when a substance is withdrawn, Member States can set longer grace periods (up to 3 years) for farmers to find alternatives.
• Other simplifications – clearer rules for basic substances, treated seeds, minor uses, and labelling of feed additives.

What changes as a result of this document

Other important information

• Stakeholder input – 6 440 responses (≈ 6 000 from citizens, 318 from businesses, 52 from authorities, 107 from NGOs, 16 from academia) and 319 position papers were received.
• Cost savings – Expected €335.6 million per year for industry from 2027, rising to €93 million per year from 2029; total savings of at least €1 billion (2027‑2029) and €2.1 billion in the next mandate.
• Administrative savings – Member State authorities expect €661 million per year, totalling €4.6 billion (2027‑2034).
• Budget – The EU will provide €15 073 million to EFSA (2028‑2034) to cover the new tasks.
• Implementation – The regulation will enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal.
• Legal basis – Articles 43(2), 114, 168(4)(b) and 192(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU.
• Scope – Applies to all EU Member States and to the European Union’s internal market for food and feed.

This proposal aims to keep high safety standards while cutting unnecessary bureaucracy, speeding up the availability of safer, more sustainable products for farmers and consumers.