Question about Clothianidin and Thiamethoxam (for written answer) to the Commission by Sir Graham Watson

The Commission will be aware of the public’s concern about neonicotinoid pesticides. Two neonicotinoids, Clothianidin and Thiamethoxam, were recognised as active substances under Annex I of Directive 91/414/EEC in 2006 and 2007 respectively. Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 sets out soil persistence levels of 120 days, whilst Annex VI of Directive 91/414/EEC, which preceded the regulation, suggests a 100-day ceiling, and guidance contained in a Commission working document of 12 July 2000 entitled ‘Guidance Document on Persistence in Soil’, issued by the Directorate-General for Agriculture, highlights similar limits. However, numerous peer-reviewed and respected scientific papers note that neonicotinoids like Clothianidin have a half-life that can range from 148 days to in excess of 1 155 days depending on the soil type. Notwithstanding the Commission’s previous responses to Written Questions E‑001297/2012, E‑011166/2011 and E‑001921/2012, could the Commission: 1. confirm it is satisfied that the assessments for (a) Clothianidin and (b) Thiamethoxam are compliant with EC law, including their soil persistence levels? 2. provide me with details on the approvals for (a) Clothianidin and (b) Thiamethoxam which include the scientific justifications as well as their assessed soil persistence levels?

Source: European Parliament, 17 September 2012
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=WQ&reference=E-2012-…