Glyphosate: public consultation opened by EFSA & ECHA

EFSA and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) have started parallel consultations on the initial scientific evaluations of glyphosate. The consultations will run for 60 days and all interested parties are encouraged to contribute. 

In the parallel consultations, EFSA will gather feedback on the renewal assessment report on glyphosate. ECHA’s consultation is on the harmonised classification and labeling report.

Glyphosate currently has a harmonised classification as causing serious eye damage and as toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects, prior to and following the assessment by ECHA in 2017. Classification for germ cell mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, or reproductive toxicity was not considered to be warranted. The initial scientific evaluation from the AGG does not recommend a change to the existing classification.

EFSA will take the outcome of ECHA’s opinion on the classification of glyphosate into account in its peer review and is expected to finalise its work in the second half of 2022. The European Commission, together with risk managers from the 27 EU Member States, will then decide whether to renew the approval of glyphosate for use in the EU.

To take part in EFSA’s consultation follow this link (deadline: 22nd of November)