SMET – Single Market in the EU for plant protection products

The SMET (Single Market for Environmental Technologies) is a European Union initiative that emerged in 2020 and aims to foster the development and commercialization of innovative environmental technologies within the European single market. The main purpose is to improve the competitiveness of the European environmental technologies industry, while contributing to the transition towards a greener economy and encouraging the use of technologies that help mitigate climate change and improve sustainability in all economic sectors.

The body in charge of proposing and managing the single market for plant protection products in the European Union is the European Commission. Through the Directorate General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE), in coordination with EFSA and other EU agencies and committees, it has established the legislation and policies governing the placing on the market of plant protection products within the EU single market.

The creation of this group was a response to the need to ensure that Member States comply with single market regulations and facilitate a fair and unhindered trading environment within the EU, especially following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which underlined the importance of an efficient and cohesive single market.

Key regulatory framework

Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market, sets out the rules for the approval and authorization of these products throughout the EU. It aims to ensure that plant protection products are effective and safe for human health, animal health and the environment, while facilitating free trade of these products in the European single market.

Main objectives of this regulation

• Approval of active substances: The regulation establishes a harmonized process for the evaluation and approval of active substances used in plant protection products. The evaluation is carried out by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which provides scientific opinions on the safety of these substances.
• Authorization of plant protection products: Products containing approved active substances must be authorized by Member States, but this authorization is based on a harmonized process and products approved in one EU country can be placed on the market throughout the single market, provided they meet common requirements.
• Review and renewal of authorization: The regulation also establishes processes for the periodic review of products and active substances to ensure that they remain safe and effective.

Although SMET as such is not a specific or singularized program under a unique name, the European Commission drives a set of policies and strategies that contribute to the creation of a single market for environmental technologies in the EU. This is done in close collaboration with other institutional and economic actors.

Other key entities involved

• European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Provides scientific assessments on risks related to active substances and plant protection products.
• Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (PAFF): This committee advises the European Commission on food safety issues, including the regulation of plant protection products.

Objectives of SMET

SMET seeks to empower environmental technology companies in the EU single market by:

• Facilitating market access, improving interoperability and harmonization of rules and regulations across EU member states.
• Encouraging innovation, research and development.
• Encourage the adoption of cleaner and more efficient technologies.
• Improve financing and support for SMEs.
• Promote international cooperation and the export of European environmental technologies to international markets.
• Ensure compliance with regulations by all EU countries.

Main Features

• Centralized Evaluation: A common process is established for the evaluation and authorization of products at the European level, reducing duplication of efforts in the Member States.
• Common Standards: Homogeneous standards and requirements for the safety and sustainable use of crop protection products are implemented.
• Transparency and Confidence: Transparency in risk assessment and authorization is improved, increasing consumer and producer confidence.

Expected Benefits

• Improved Access: Farmers will have easier access to approved products throughout the EU, promoting a more competitive agriculture.
• Food Safety: Ensures that products used in agriculture are safe for human health and the environment.
• Sustainability: Promotes the use of sustainable agricultural practices and the reduction of negative impacts on biodiversity.

 Benefits for industry and society

• For companies: SMET enables environmental technology companies to access a wider and more diverse market, giving them more opportunities for growth and expansion. It also promotes innovation and facilitates collaboration between different players in the sector.
• For society: On a societal level, SMET contributes to greater sustainability and environmental protection, aligning with the objectives of the European Green Pact and the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development of the United Nations. This benefits citizens by reducing pollution, improving air and water quality, and mitigating the effects of climate change.

In conclusion, SMET represents a comprehensive effort by the European Union to foster the development of innovative environmental technologies, strengthening business competitiveness and promoting sustainable practices in various economic sectors. Through regulatory harmonization, support for innovation, and improved access to markets and finance, SMET not only drives the transition to a greener and more resilient economy, but also reinforces the EU’s global leadership in exporting environmental solutions. This approach, aligned with objectives such as the European Green Pact, ensures benefits for both industry and society, promoting a more sustainable and equitable future.