Written question on the Commission’s change in the classification of Siltac and the legal framework for its use

Priority question for written answer P-000469/2026
to the Commission
Rule 144
Marlena Maląg (ECR)

In 2024, the Commission changed its interpretation of the classification of Siltac, a product used in agriculture to reduce plant pests by means of a physical mechanism, rather than a chemical or biological one. The Commission decided that Siltac falls under the scope of Regulation 1107/2009. Siltac was previously classified as not being a plant protection product, as determined by the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed in January 2017, which was the basis of its legal functioning on the EU market.

The change in the product's classification risks preventing it from being sold and requires it to undergo a costly, time-consuming and risky procedure of registering it as a plant protection product, which could lead to the product being withdrawn from the EU market despite the fact that it has been safely used for many years.

In view of the above:

• 1.What specific legal basis in Regulation No 1107/2009 justifies the Commission's change in classifying products that operate by means of a physical mechanism as plant protection products?
• 2.To what degree does the Commission's decision align with the EU's declared political priorities of ensuring farmers access to safe, effective tools that constitute alternatives to conventional pesticides, particularly under the EU's Vision for Agriculture and Food?
• 3.Has the Commission assessed the potential socio-financial impact of this change in interpretation in relation to SMEs, in accordance with the better regulation principles?

Submitted: 5.2.2026