Processing times

The case processing time at the Danish EPA is considered to begin when all the required information from the private individual/company/authority has been received. For cases with fixed application deadlines, the target processing time commences on expiry of the application deadline.

The processing times detailed below are indications of the maximum time needed to process the majority of cases under normal circumstances.

Delayed processing times for pesticide applications

The Danish EPA’s processing of pesticide applications is currently very delayed and we are experiencing a major backlog in the area. The delay applies particularly to the larger types of applications, such as for instance applications for new products, renewals of authorisations, label extensions (major amendments of use), and mutual recognitions. The minor types of applications, like for instance applications for minor uses and derogations, are expected to be processed according to normal timelines.  

The Danish EPA will - until the backlog is brought down - prioritise case processing according to the following principles:

Prioritisation principles

The Danish EPA currently processes applications according to the following two approaches:

1. Screening of new applications for sufficient documentation
2. Prioritisation of cases according to established criteria

Approach 1: DEPA performs a systematic screening of all new applications, and checks whether the requirements for the application are met. If deficiencies are identified in the application, a request for supplementary documentation will be sent and the requested data must be submitted within a short timeframe. If the deficiencies are not met, the application will be rejected. If deficiencies are identified, the application will be put in clock stop and the case processing time stopped. The application can be rejected if the requested documentation is not submitted after expiration of the deadline or if the total period of clock stop exceeds 6 months.

Approach 2: The Danish EPA prioritises case processing on the basis of prioritisation principles that reflect considerations of environment and health, and which meet previous critics from Rigsrevisionen about delays in renewal of authorisations and goals in the Pesticide Strategy 2017-2021 on lower pesticide loads and prevention of resistance development.

The overall principle is "first in, first out". In addition, there are a number of considerations for prioritisation (point 1-6 below), where points 1-4 are main priorities that are addressed first. Moreover, priority is also given to applications in categories 5 and 6 that are more than 3 years old[1].

1. Renewals of existing authorisations, where there is knowledge that additional mitigation measures or restrictions will be required to renew the existing authorisations.
2. New authorisations of less harmful pesticides.
3. New product authorisations, where derogations have been applied for.
4. New product authorisations which can reduce/break resistance, or, in the case where few or no pesticides are available for a specific use.
5. Other renewals of existing authorisations.
6. New authorisations or extensions of use of authorisation for products with active substances and uses where there are already authorised products on the market.

Any questions about this should be directed to pesticider@mst.dk

[1]In some cases, it may not be possible for the DEPA to complete the proceedings of these types of cases, if an evaluation from another rapporteur member state in the EU or the Northern Zone is required to complete the case.

Processing times for the different application types above: please note that these processing times are currently not expected to be met)