In October 2023, we adjusted our procedures for plant protection products and active substances: we no longer start assessments immediately upon receipt, but wait until continuous work on an application can be ensured. Now, more than a year and a half later, we’re seeing the following improvements.
The time between the start of the intake phase and the completion of an application has shortened due to a stronger focus on the applications currently being processed. We are starting assessments sooner and are becoming more predictable for product applications (zonal, CMS, WERG, NLKUG). Upon receipt of an application, we will indicate when it is expected to be assigned to a project leader.
For active substance applications, we are working hard on improvements, but we expect it will take until early next year before we can reliably estimate the start of the admissibility check upon receipt. We will start admissibility checks earlier to avoid issues with IUCLID versions during the process. After completing the admissibility check, we will be able to provide an indication of when the assessment will begin.
Once an application is assigned to a project leader, we can offer a better estimate of its status and the next steps in the process, which leads to better predictability for all applications.
Applicants may not yet see much of these improvements, as the lead times for zonal product applications and substance applications are long, meaning the results will become visible only later. Additionally, a large number of these types of applications is still in progress or recently completed. The completion is progressing well, but since some applications have been under review for quite some time, these older cases do not reflect current average improved lead times.
Partly due to the above mentioned adjustments, from now on Ctgb in the role of rapporteur has capacity to accept zonal/interzonal applications for amendment to/extension of authorizations and MRL applications, in addition to the already accepted planned applications. As rapporteur, Ctgb will have capacity to accept zonal/interzonal applications for new products in 2026 and beyond, and for new active substances (including safeners and synergists) in 2028 and beyond. For each individual application type, Ctgb has a maximum number of time slots available per year. Therefore the applicant needs a time slot (combination quarter/year) for submission.
For the application types that do not require a time slot, there is sufficient capacity. These can be submitted without prior notification. For applications in which Ctgb is Concerned Member State, we would like to receive prior notification in accordance with the guidance.
No time slots are required for applications distributed by the European Commission (such as reassessment of active substances and assessment of safeners and synergists) or by the Central Zone Steering Committee (reassessment of products). However, applications to assess safeners and synergists do require a time slot if these applications are not included in the European Commission's work programme.
If you would like Ctgb to act as (zonal and/or interzonal) rapporteur and want to know more about the possibilities, please contact the account manager plant protection.