Extension of the scope of already authorized plant protection products to minor uses according to Article 51 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 - List of minor uses (gap indications)

With regard to the extension of the scope of already authorized plant protection products to indications not covered by the authorization so far, there is an increasing interest on the part of agriculture, in particular when it concerns small crops ("minor crops") or harmful organisms to be controlled which occur, for example, only in small limited areas ("minor uses"), but may nevertheless cause considerable damage.

Recital 30 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 indicates that the economic incentive for industry to apply for authorization is limited to certain uses. In order to ensure that the diversification of agriculture and horticulture is not hindered by a lack of availability of plant protection products, specific rules should be established for minor uses.

Taking into account recital 30, Article 51 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 introduced a separate, facilitated procedure ("extension of the scope of authorizations to minor uses") which, according to paragraph 1 of Article 51, is open not only to the authorization holder but also to - certain - other persons or bodies (official or scientific bodies involved in agricultural activities, professional agricultural organizations or professional users).

The present list of minor uses ("gap indications") is intended to document which uses (areas of application) in Austria meet the requirements of Article 51(2)(a) and (c) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, in order to make such procedures even simpler and more transparent, and to provide applicants with guidance as to which uses in minor crops - subject to compliance with the other requirements and conditions of Article 51 - may be the subject of applications for indication extensions.