Newsletter December 2023

"The scientific work of the Ctgb and its outcomes are of excellent quality and are appreciated by risk assessors and risk managers within the EU." That is the conclusion of the international audit committee that reviewed the work of the Ctgb last spring. Of course, I am proud of the committee's conclusions and have shared that pride with our staff. Fair is fair: this is a welcome conclusion at a time when the Ctgb and its assessment frameworks are being critically examined. It is often forgotten that we make our assessments based on internationally established legal frameworks. These are the result of political decisions that emerged from public debate. I am very aware of our responsibilities as an assessment authority. Due to all the scientific studies and research results that must be provided for the assessment of substances and products, we have a great deal of relevant expertise. It remains difficult to clearly explain this. The political/societal discussion focuses on what is still missing from the frameworks. This makes sense and it's important to continue to invest in these improvements. Based on our expertise and experience, we advise policymakers on gaps in the frameworks. However, these frameworks are never finished, and therein lies a policy and political challenge: what is enough? This is a legitimate question, but let us also appreciate what the frameworks already cover.

Ingrid Becks

Secretary/Director

Ctgb closed between Christmas and New Year's Day

The Ctgb will be closed from 25 December 2023 through 1 January 2024. The Service Desk will also be closed.

Tariffs Decree

The Ctgb published the tariffs (fees and charges) for 2024 in the Government Gazette in early December.

Fees and charges

During the assessment, the Ctgb looks at whether a product containing an alternative active substance is safer than the product with the candidate for substitution. All non-chemical measures and low-risk products are considered safer by definition. Other products are considered safer if less stringent safety procedures are required than for the product containing the candidate for substitution. This policy change makes the procedure simpler and clearer. As a result, the comparative assessment can be completed more quickly, and products can be replaced – where possible – with alternatives that are safer for humans, animals and the environment.

The new policy will take effect on 1 January 2024. The amended policy with the responses from the public consultation and the Board's answers is published in the Government Gazette.

The Ctgb makes comparative assessment more effective and efficient

The policy rule on grace periods for biocides is withdrawn. From January 1, 2024 on the granting of a grace period is only done on the basis of Article 52 of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012.

In principle, situ generated biocides also require authorisation from the Ctgb before they can be used in the Netherlands. There are two exceptions. The exception rule has been expanded with a table showing all companies that have submitted an application for admission under the BPR.

In situ generation of biocides