Friday, 27 November 2015
Requirement for derogations for newly-listed highly hazardous pesticides suspended
© Z. B. BroshuraAt their meeting in November 2015, the FSC International Board of Directors discussed plans for the upcoming revision of the FSC Pesticides Policy and approved the Terms of Reference of an interest balanced Working Group to lead the revision of this document.
The Board agreed that the Working Group will prioritise the task of developing the fundamental approach towards the use of pesticides in certified operations. This will include a discussion of the future of derogations in the FSC pesticides system. Following up on this point, the Board decided to suspend the need to apply for derogations for active ingredients added to the FSC List of ‘highly hazardous’ pesticides (available here) in its last update in February 2015 until the Board has made a decision on this issue based on input from the Working Group on the future of derogations. This is expected to happen before the end of 2016. During this period the FSC List of ‘highly hazardous’ pesticides won’t be updated.
Appropriate notice will be given if the need for derogation applications for these ‘highly hazardous’ pesticides is reinstated. Please note that the derogation process for all other ‘highly hazardous’ pesticides remains unaffected.
What is FSC’s current Pesticides Policy?
FSC policy in relation to the use of pesticides in FSC-certified forests aims to minimise the negative environmental and social impacts of pesticide use whilst promoting economically viable management. Key elements for implementing this policy include:
- a) The identification and avoidance of ‘highly hazardous’ pesticides;
- b) Promotion of ‘non-chemical’ methods of pest management as an element of an integrated pest management strategy;
- c) Appropriate use of the pesticides that are used.
Forest owners and managers wishing to use ‘highly hazardous’ pesticides must justify such use through a specific process which includes consultation with social, environmental and economic stakeholders. This is the ‘derogation’ process.
What pesticides are affected by the Board’s decision?
The decision to suspend the requirement for derogations applies to any pesticides in FSC-STD-30-001a EN FSC List of ‘highly hazardous’ pesticides which were not in FSC-GUI-30-001 V2-0 EN FSC Pesticides Policy: guidance on implementation. This includes chemicals such as Glufosinate ammonium (a herbicide), Oxadiazon (a herbicide) and Ziram (a mammal repellent).
UPDATE: One of the pesticides affected by the Board decision on derogations is the insecticide Acetamiprid, used to control weevils. An application for a derogation for the use of this pesticide had already been submitted by some UK certificate holders before the Board decision was made. FSC International will reimburse the fees paid by these certificate holders now that the requirement for the derogation has been suspended.
If you have any questions, please contact FSC UK Forest Standards Manager Dr Owen Davies at owen@fsc-uk.org.