Public consultation on the guidance document on a harmonised framework for pest risk assessment and the evaluation of pest risk management options by EFSA

The EFSA Scientific Panel on Plant Health provides independent scientific advice on the risks posed by plant pests that can cause harm to plants and plant products in the European Community.

In September 2008, the Panel initiated a self-task activity to produce a guidance document for a harmonised framework for pest risk assessment and the evaluation of pest risk management options by EFSA.

This document presents guidance on the framework for pest risk assessment and the evaluation of pest risk management options, as identified and endorsed by the EFSA Scientific Panel on Plant Health. The framework aims at implementing the fundamental principles of risk assessment as laid down in EC Regulation 178/2002, most importantly the independence and transparency of risk assessments carried out by EFSA.

The framework addresses risks presented by non-indigenous living organisms associated with the movement of plants or plant products and which may enter, establish, spread and cause harmful effects on plants and/or plant products and biodiversity.

This guidance describes the process, criteria and main methodologies recommended by the Panel for pest risk assessment and the evaluation of pest risk management options.

In line with EFSA’s policy on openness and transparency, and in order to receive comments from the scientific community and stakeholders, EFSA has launched a public consultation on the draft opinion developed by the working group appointed by the Plant Health Panel.

Interested parties are invited to submit written comments using the online form by 2 October 2009, 17:00 CET.
Please use only the electronic template provided with the documents to submit comments and refer to the line numbering.
Please also note that comments submitted by e-mail or by post cannot be taken into account. Further a submission will not be considered if it:

• Is submitted after the deadline set out in the call;
• Is presented in any form other than what is provided for in the instructions and template;
• Is not related to the contents of the document;
• Contains complaints against institutions, personal accusations, irrelevant or offensive statements or material.

Comments complying with the criteria will be evaluated by the EFSA Scientific Panel on Plant Health. All contributions that enhance the scientific quality or understanding of the document will be considered.