Emergency Authorisations for neonicotinoid pesticide use

Summary

An investigation into the lawfulness of Defra’s process for granting emergency authorisations of restricted pesticides, specifically the use of the neonicotinoid product Cruiser SB on sugar beet seeds in 2023 and 2024. The investigation found that Defra failed to comply with several environmental laws designed to protect nature, particularly in relation to designated protected sites.

 

More information

This investigation focussed on the decision-making process, not the merits of pesticide authorisations themselves. The OEP identified failures in four of the six grounds it examined. These included not taking proper account of the requirement to assess implications for protected sites, not taking steps to understand or mitigate known risks to European sites, and failing to meet statutory duties relating to Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). The investigation found no failure in relation to Defra’s application of the precautionary principle or its due regard to the EPPS, after further information was provided during the investigation.

Defra has now committed to updating its assessment process for emergency authorisations to ensure that potential impacts on protected sites are explicitly recognised and properly considered. These updates are expected to be in place by November 2026.  

As a result of these commitments, the OEP closed its investigation and issued an investigation report on 29 June 2026. The OEP will continue to monitor the implementation of the updated process closely.