Esfenvalerate is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide. It is widely authorised for use under national legislation across Europe in agriculture, horticulture and forestry.
In 1996, the Portuguese authorities produced a monograph covering the health and environmental effects of esfenvalerate on behalf of the European Commission under Council Directive 91/414 which provides for a Europe-wide approval of pesticides. Subsequently, the monograph was discussed and peer-reviewed in secret by regulators from other member states, and responses channelled to the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Plants.
On 17 March 2000, the Committee published its opinion on esfenvalerate on the Web1. Its view is meant to assist the EU Member State representatives who will meet on 12-13 July and to decide whether esfenvalerate should be included in the list of approved pesticides under the EU’s Annex 1 of Directive 91/414.