Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations, which extend to Scotland only, further amend the provisions of the Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels in Crops, Food and Feeding Stuffs) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (“the principal Regulations”).

The Regulations correct references in the principal Regulations to the pesticides Metalaxyl M and Parathion methyl and their residues, to implement Corrigendum to Commission Directive 2002/79/EC (O.J. No. 342, 30.12.03, p.58), and Commission Directive 2003/118/EC (O.J. No. L 327, 16.12.03, p.25) (regulations 2(2) and 2(3)).

To implement Commission Directive 2003/118/EC, the Regulations, with effect from 1st December 2004, remove pesticide residue levels for Parathion methyl, which had previously been set nationally by virtue of powers contained in the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985, from the list contained in Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the principal Regulations because they have been replaced by Community levels (regulation 2(4)).

The Regulations amend pesticide residue levels for Abamectin on cucurbits (edible peel) and Diquat on rape seed and soya beans to implement Corrigendum to Commission Directive 2002/79/EC and Corrigendum to Commission Directive 2003/60/EC (O.J. No. L 14, 21.1.04, p.55); amend the heading “Cyclanide” to “Cyclanilide” to implement Corrigendum to Commission Directive 2003/60/EC; and with effect from 1st April 2004, amend the pesticide residue levels for 2, 4 D on citrus fruits to implement Commission Directive 2003/118/EC (regulation 2(5)).

With effect from 1st December 2004, the Regulations substitute maximum residue levels for Acephate and specify maximum residue levels for Parathion methyl. The Regulations reorder Part 2 of Schedule 2 to the principal Regulations to ensure alphabetical listing of pesticides (regulation 2(6)).

The Regulations also update the definition of “Residue Directives” in the principal Regulations (by substituting Schedule 5 to the principal Regulations) to incorporate Commission Directive 2003/118/EC, Corrigendum to Commission Directive 2002/79/EC and Corrigendum to Commission Directive 2003/60/EC (regulation 2(7) and Schedule 2).

Regulation 3 makes consequential revocations.

No Regulatory Impact Assessment has been produced in relation to these Regulations.