Neonicotinoid - History - EU Ban

EU Ban

In response to growing concerns about the impact of neonicotinoids on honey bees, the European Commission asked the European Food Safety Authority to study their safety. The results of the peer reviewed study were published in January 2013. They concluded that the previous industry-sponsored studies were flawed and that the pesticide posed an unacceptably high risk to bees. In response to the study, the European Commission recommended a moratorium across the European Union.

On 29 April 2013, 15 of the 27 European Union member states voted to enact a 2-year ban on the use of three neonicotinoids. Eight nations voted against the ban, while four abstained. The law prevents the use of imidacloprid, clothianidin, and thiamethoxam on flowering plants for two years unless compelling scientific evidence comes out that says the chemicals are safe. Temporary suspensions had previously been enacted in France, Germany, and Italy. In Switzerland, where neonicotinoids were never used in alpine areas, a ban has also been implemented due to accidental poisonings of bee populations and the relatively low safety margin for other beneficial insects.

Environmentalists called the move "a significant victory for common sense and our beleaguered bee populations" and said it is "crystal clear that there is overwhelming scientific, political and public support for a ban." Great Britain, which voted against the bill, disagreed: "Having a healthy bee population is a top priority for us, but we did not support the proposal for a ban because our scientific evidence doesn’t support it." Bayer Cropscience, which makes two of the three banned products remarked "Bayer remains convinced neonicotinoids are safe for bees, when used responsibly and properly ... clear scientific evidence has taken a back-seat in the decision-making process." Reaction in the scientific community was mixed. Biochemist Lin Field said the decision was based on "political lobbying" and could lead to the overlooking of other factors involved in colony collapse disorder. Zoologist Lynn Dicks of Cambridge University disagreed, saying "This is a victory for the precautionary principle, which is supposed to underlie environmental regulation." A bee expert called the ban "excellent news for pollinators", and said, "The weight of evidence from researchers clearly points to the need to have a phased ban of neonicotinoids."