European Communities (Classification, Packaging and Labelling of Plant Protection Products and Biocide Products) Regulations, 2001 (S.I. No. 624 of 2001).

These Regulations specify the methods to be used for identification of hazards associated with handling and use of plant protection products and biocide products in accordance with Directive 1999/45/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council. They prescribe the classification, packaging and labelling conditions that must be complied with in relation to their being placed on the market, in accordance with that Directive. In addition the Regulations define the conditions under which existing plant protection products and biocide products can continue to be placed on the market. Provision is made for the detailed review of the studies conducted and information used to identify the hazards arising and to establish the nature and extent of the foreseeable risks which the handling or use of plant protection products and biocide products entail. The Regulations specify the fees, including the annual fees to be paid in relation to plant protection products and biocide products. These Regulations provide a mechanism to permit a register of biocide products on the market to be compiled. They also introduce basic transitional arrangements for biocide products pending their regulation pursuant to Directive 98/8/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 1998 concerning the placing of biocidal products on the market.