This report describes the outcome of a Food and Veterinary Office audit in Denmark, carried out between 17 to 24 June 2014, under the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 on official food and feed controls and Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. The objective of the audit was to evaluate the controls on pesticides.
Denmark has a history of promoting alternatives to, and reduction in, pesticide use, and therefore is well placed to fully implement Directive 2009/128/EC. A variable rate pesticide tax, resulting in price increases of several hundred per cent in the case of some products, is the key policy initiative to achieve a substantial reduction in risk associated with pesticide use. Progress towards achieving this ambitious target could be compromised due to difficulties in preventing the illegal import of pesticides from other Member States.
While there are well documented procedures for PPP authorisation, due to national specific requirements it is difficult to gain authorisation through mutual recognition. Despite this, emergency authorisations are granted in cases where other measures are possible. The scope and frequency of inspections is not sufficient to determine that only authorised PPPs are marketed. Weaknesses in controls on retailers and in the PPP formulation analysis programme means the system for detection of illegal or counterfeit PPPs is not satisfactory. There is an excellent system of controls on PPP users.
The report makes a number of recommendations to the Competent Authorities, aimed at rectifying the shortcomings identified and enhancing the implementation of control measures.
(Source: FVO website)
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