Labelling of products that may be toxic for bees
The Swedish Chemicals Agency has established criteria for when and how a product must be labelled to inform the user that the product may be toxic for bees. Products to which the criteria apply must be labelled with the following phrase: "This product contains [substance/name of substance] which is toxic for bees".
Certain biocidal products may be toxic for bees, for example certain substances that are used as pesticides. According to older labelling regulations, such products could be labelled with the phrase “Hazardous for bees," but that is no longer possible under EU legislation on labelling, the CLP Regulation. Therefore, the Swedish Chemicals Agency has established criteria for when and how a product in Sweden must be labelled to inform the user that the product may be toxic for bees.
Which products must be labelled?
A product must be labelled if it is in product type 18 (pesticides to prevent insects, arachnids and other arthropods) or 19 (repellents and attractants) and contains a substance with an LD50 value of 11 µg/bi or less. The LD50 value is an indication of how toxic a substance is. Products fulfilling the criteria must be labelled with the following phrase: "This product contains [substance/substance name] which is toxic for bees" (or the equivalent). The evaluation is done for active substances and co-formulants that are known to be toxic for bees.
The Swedish Chemicals Agency will apply the criteria from now on when product applications are evaluated and authorised. This also applies to applications that have already been submitted. Products that have already been authorised for the Swedish market will not be affected until an application is made for renewed authorisation.
