MEP Tomasz Buczek (Patriots for Europe) has raised concerns about the lack of binding procedural standards in the classification of borderline plant protection products by the EU's Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (PAFF Committee). In a written parliamentary question submitted on 15 April 2026, Buczek argues that the current reliance on informal working documents and practices undermines legal certainty and stakeholder rights, potentially affecting market access and regulatory consistency.
Buczek points to the reclassification of SILTAC in January 2024 as a case where the absence of clear evidentiary standards, transparency, and stakeholder participation led to significant market effects without adequate procedural safeguards. He questions whether the Commission recognises the need for minimum binding procedural rules, especially for 'borderline' products that straddle the line between plant protection products and other regulatory regimes.
whether the Commission will establish binding procedural standards, whether it plans to set requirements on evidence, transparency, and stakeholder involvement, and what timeline it envisages for any changes. The question falls under Rule 144 of the European Parliament's rules of procedure, and the Commission is expected to respond within approximately six weeks.
Buczek's intervention signals a push for greater regulatory clarity and due process in an area where technical decisions can have major commercial and environmental consequences. The Commission's reply will indicate whether it sees a need to formalise procedures or considers the current informal approach sufficient.
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