Step 1. Compile data for the local case under review
The key information that is needed for the local situation under review depends of the specific risk that needs to be assessed (e.g. it will be different for bridging an operator risk assessment from bridging a pollinator risk assessment). The Toolkit provides Assessment Summary Tables, which list the key data needed for bridging a specific risk.
As a minimum, the following data should be available:
- Product chemistry data, i.e. the manufacturing specification of the active ingredient and the composition of the formulation. Of particular importance are the identity and concentration of toxicologically relevant impurities in the active ingredients(s) and of co-formulants which trigger a hazard classification.
- The Good Agricultural Practices table (or Table of Intended Uses), in particular the proposed crops, application methods, rates and frequencies, timing of treatments (e.g. crop stages) and proposed pre-harvest intervals (or withholding periods).
Pesticide registration dossiers compiled according to international standards will generally contain all the product information needed to conduct a bridging assessment.
In addition, the registration authority needs to have a good understanding of the local conditions of use of the pesticide. This includes common application equipment, availability and use of PPE, level of training/knowledge of the pesticide users, and – if environmental risks are bridged – environmental conditions when the pesticide is applied (e.g. temperature, rainfall, likelihood that surface waters may be exposed, soil types, topography, sensitive flora and fauna).
This second set of data is not included in a pesticide registration dossier. Registration authorities will either have in-house expertise that can provide such information, or will need to consult experts in local research institutions, farmer organizations, etc.
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