Glyphosate, Yes: not change proposed to hazard classification

The latest RAC´s opinion recommends keeping the existing classification for glyphosate as a substance that causes serious eye damage and is toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

Just a year ago, the ECHA Committee for Risk Assessmentstarted a process to review the current harmonized classification and labelling proposal of Glyphosate. The revision was triggered by a 2019 - application issued by the Glyphosate Renewal Group - GRG (private companies which want to keep using the substance) to renew the approval of glyphosate for use (current approval expires at the end of this year). The application was then assessed by the Assessment Group on Glyphosate, AGG and its opinion, widely explained and published in its CLH report, was that the current classification of glyphosate does not need to change.

Now, the RAC backs it concluding that “the available scientific evidence did not meet the criteria to classify glyphosate for specific target organ toxicity, or as a carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic substance under the EU’s CLP regulation”, and clearing the path for Glyphosate renewal.

On what has the RAC based its opinion?

The committee´s independent experts assessed a large number of scientific studies, including the ones included in the previous assessment for the opinion emitted in 2017.

They have also looked up carefully NEW published and unpublished data addressing all the required CLP hazard classes, including specific target organ toxicity following repeated exposure, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity and toxicity for reproduction.

The assessment was also based on the results of the AGG´s CLH report, which includes summaries of studies, a comparison of the data with the criteria for classification described in CLP registration, and an assessment on evidence and arguments leading for the proposal for classification.

Finally, they have also taken into account the studies and comments received during the public consultation.

And now, What?

The complete opinion, detailing RAC’s scientific reasoning in coming to their conclusion, will be published on the ECHA’s website and sent to the EFSA by mid-August. EFSA will then complete its own risk assessment of glyphosate,which is expected to be ready in July 2023. And only then, with all the possible information available, the European Commission will put forward a renewal report and a draft regulation to Member States on whether the approval of glyphosate can be renewed or not.

From Siam we will be very attentive to the final decision, updating our database of substances with any new information relevant to the dangers of glyphosate.