Updated European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guidance on bird and mammal risk assessment will be implemented in GB PPP and active substance assessments from 17 February 2027.
EFSA published an update in February 2023 to the guidance on risk assessment for birds and mammals: 2023 EFSA guidance on risk assessment for birds and mammals.
This replaces the 2009 EFSA guidance on risk assessment for birds and mammals.
HSE is adopting the 2023 EFSA guidance on risk assessment for birds and mammals with clarifications for GB assessments.
Find more information in HSE’s webpage on birds and mammals – risk assessment for ecotoxicology.
From 17 February 2027, any GB pesticide assessment which relies on a new bird and mammal risk assessment must take account of the 2023 EFSA guidance. Applicants are able to voluntarily use this guidance from 17 August 2026.
Before adopting the updated guidance, HSE conducted a review of the 2023 EFSA guidance and carried out a survey to gather stakeholder views. Visit our website to view a document with a summary of key changes to the guidance along with stakeholder comments.
The updated guidance has been considered in view of the UK-EU Common Understanding to work towards a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement for dynamic alignment. Until then, GB pesticide regulations and guidance continue to apply.
Adopting the updated guidance aligns GB with the EU process. The additional clarifications reflect national requirements, enable practical implementation of the guidance, and are appropriate matters for a national regulator to determine to ensure that the same, high standards of protection continue to be met.
The 2023 EFSA guidance on risk assessment for birds and mammals entered into force for applications for use of PPPs in Northern Ireland on 1 October 2025.
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