CRD issues new requirements for Targeted Weed Control

CRD issues new requirements for targeted weed control on non-porous, hard surfaces

The Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD) has issued new labelling requirements for herbicides approved for use on non-porous, hard surfaces, following consultation with the Crop Protection Association (CPA) and interested authorisation holders.

Regulatory Update 42 specifies new wording for the 'directions for use' labelling, providing instruction on the permitted method of application. The objective is to ensure targeted application of herbicides on hard surfaces and avoid 'blanket spraying'.

Users must observe the label requirements and the new regulation therefore makes 'blanket spraying' an unlawful practice.

Dr Anne Buckenham, CPA's Director of Policy comments: "Regulatory Update 42 will ensure Best Practice is followed for hard surface applications. Targeted application on hard surfaces minimises pesticide use, significantly reducing run-off and the associated risk of environmental and water pollution. This is consistent with the requirements of the EU Directive on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides and the EU Water Framework Directive."

The additional 'directions for use' phrases, detailed below, cover three product categories according the herbicide's mode of action:

a) Products which act only by contact or systemic action via foliar application:
"Apply this product carefully. Ensure spraying takes place only when weeds are actively growing (normally March to October) and is confined only to visible weeds including those in the 30cm swath covering the kerb edge and road gulley - do not overspray drains".

b) Products which act only in a residual fashion:
"Apply this product carefully. Ensure spraying takes place only to areas of potential weed growth (e.g. gaps between paving stones, kerb edges and road gulleys) and/or a 30cm swath covering the kerb edge and road gulley - do not overspray drains".

c) Products which contain more than one active substance, at least one of which acts by foliar application and at least one of which acts in a residual fashion:
"Apply this product carefully. Ensure spraying takes place only when weeds are actively growing (normally March to October) and is confined only to visible weeds, areas of potential weed growth (e.g. gaps between paving stones, kerb edges and road gulleys) and/or a 30cm swath covering the kerb edge and road gulley - do not overspray drains".

These phrases are not applicable to products that are specifically authorised only for use on 'hard surfaces (railway ballast)'. They are however applicable to all products authorised on 'hard surfaces' which may include 'railway ballast' in addition to non-porous surfaces such as roads and pavements. Such product labels may clarify that the statement is not applicable to use on 'railway ballast'.

Labels must be updated by May 2012 at the latest.

To view the full CRD Regulatory Update, please click here.