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The Commission has published an update of guidance document SANCO/10473/2003 for the generation and evaluation of data on the physical, chemical and technical properties of plant protection products under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. This sixth version will apply from 20 July 2026. The main changes are listed below.
This new version updates a number of reference methods for carrying out the various tests, in particular those relating to physical hazards that should be tested in accordance with the test methods referred to in the CLP Regulation, which also refers to methods in the Manual of Test and Criteria (UN RTDG ST/SG/AC.10/11). As a result, methods EC A.17/A.21 (oxidising properties), EC A.9 (flashpoint), EC A.10/A.11/A.12 (flammability) and EC A.15/A.16 (self-heating) are no longer usable. Method EC A.14 remains possible for explosive properties. It should be noted that this latest version refers to CIPAC MT methods without a specific version number (e.g. ‘MT 75’ instead of ‘MT 75.3’) to take account of their ongoing revisions.
For the determination of the content of relevant impurities in storage stability studies, three cases are now differentiated:
- Relevant impurities from the manufacturing process of the active substance (and whose content cannot increase): no data required before and after storage.
- Relevant impurities that can increase upon manufacturing of the formulation, but not upon storage: determination required only before storage + scientific justification.
- Relevant impurities that can increase upon storage of the formulation: data required before and after storage.
For persistent foam, now required before and after storage in stability studies, the addition of an anti-foam agent or adjuvant is recommended if the limit of 60 mL of foam after 1 minute is exceeded. Additional tests with the agents may then be performed.
New methods for determining the relative density and corrosive properties of liquids and solids are also proposed.
This new version also points out that the recommended methods and precautions, emergency measures in the case of an accident, and procedures for destruction or decontamination of the plant protection product and its packaging are normally required under Regulation (EU) No. 284/2013. A reference to the safety data sheet (SDS) of the product may be sufficient. However, the dRR (section B4) should at least contain information on physical hazard included in the SDS, which is not evident from the physico-chemical tests or from tests according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 presented in the dRR section B2.
Finally, the guidance document states that for containers larger than 20 L of a non-homogenous/complex formulation (EC, SC, etc.), a label requirement should be set by Member States which requires that the content of the container is re-homogenised thoroughly before taking parts from the content. It must be demonstrated that the product can be stirred with suitable mixing devices/homogenizers before the formulation is used. This label requirement may be waived, if storage stability tests in the corresponding bulk containers (> 20 L) show that all technical properties after storage stay within acceptable limits. However, for SC formulation, sedimentation is difficult to anticipate for larger volumes. Hence, the label requirement should be always applicable.
To download:
SANCO/10473/2003-rev.6 (20 January 2026) – GUIDANCE DOCUMENT FOR THE GENERATION AND EVALUATION OF DATA ON THE PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL AND TECHNICAL PROPERTIES OF PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCTS UNDER REGULATION (EC) No 1107/2009
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