EU countries were required to adopt National Action Plans (NAPs) to implement the Directive for the first time by November 2012. These plans should contain quantitative objectives, targets, measures and timetables to reduce the risks and impacts of pesticide use. These plans should be reviewed at least every five years.
The Directive identifies specific measures that EU countries are required to include in their plans for proper implementation. The main actions relate to
- training of users, advisors and distributors
- inspection of pesticide application equipment
- the prohibition of aerial spraying
- the protection of the aquatic environment and drinking water
- limitation of pesticide use in sensitive areas
- information and awareness raising about pesticide risks
- systems for gathering information on pesticide acute poisoning incidents, as well as chronic poisoning developments, where available
Related links
- National Action Plans (English)
- Overview Report- Sustainable Use of Pesticides
- Search our Database for Audit Reports on the Sustainable Use Directive
- Directive on Harmonised Risk Indicators
- Low Risk Plant Protection Products
- Monitoring and Surveying of Impacts of Pesticide Use
- Training for Governmental Officials (BTSF)
- Standards for inspection of Pesticide Application Equipment
- Inspection of Pesticide Application Equipment (External Links)
- Links to Related Policy Areas
Recent events
- 25 August 2022
Commission publishes updated Harmonised Risk Indicators for 2020 - 14-15 October 2021
Commission hosted a 2nd Farm to Fork Conference, including a thematic workshop on 'Reducing pesticides use and risk'. - 10 August 2021
Commission publishes updated Harmonised Risk Indicators for 2019 - 31 May 2021
Commission publishes progress on Farm to Fork pesticide targets - 27 August 2020
Commission publishes updated pesticide risk indicators for 2018 - 20 May 2020
2nd Report of the Commission to the Parliament and the Council on progress in the implementation of Directive 2009/128/EC on the sustainable use of pesticides - 20 May 2020
Farm to Fork Strategy – for a fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly food system - 5 February 2020
Report of the European Court of Auditors on Sustainable use of plant protection products - 5 February 2020
Report on joint SANTE-ESTAT workshop for agricultural statisticians and SUD experts - 12 November 2019
EC SUD implementation monitoring: New audit reports published - 28 May 2019
Adoption of Commission Directive on Harmonised Risk Indicators - 15 May 2019
Member States benefit from BTSF sessions on Integrated Pest Management and Pesticide Equipment Testing