On 16 September 2025, the European Commission published its Simplification Omnibus for Food and Feed Safety, proposing amendments to several pieces of EU legislation. The initiative aims to streamline procedures, enhance clarity and support innovation across the agri-food sector.

Despite its title, the new omnibus package is relevant not only to the agri-food sector but also to the chemical industry – particularly stakeholders involved in biocides and plant protection products. Indeed, the proposal includes suggested amendments to the following legislations:

  • Plant Protection Products Regulation – To accelerate the approval of biocontrol solutions, improve mutual recognition among member states, and strengthen support for minor uses. It also seeks to clarify provisions related to basic substances, seed treatment and data protection, while introducing the possibility of enabling drone use for targeted pesticide application.
  • Maximum Residue Levels Regulation – To clarify terminology and transitional rules, improving legal certainty for stakeholders.
  • Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) – To address delays in the approval of substances still under the Review Programme and to respond to one of the industry’s major concerns regarding the expiry of data protection. This targeted consultation complements the full evaluation of the BPR expected in the coming months.
  • Feed Additives Regulation – To simplify and clarify the rules, particularly regarding the modification of authorisations, the renewal regime and the introduction of digital labelling options.
  • Hygiene Package – To streamline the notification of national measures through the Technical Regulation Information System (TRIS) procedure.
  • BSE Regulation (999/2001) – To remove outdated surveillance and trade restrictions related to Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy.
  • Official Controls Regulation – To allow partial clearance of plant and plant product consignments at border control posts, addressing challenges when phytosanitary certificates cover multiple batches requiring different types of checks. The proposal also considers introducing a limited derogation for the accreditation of reference laboratories.
  • Animal Welfare Regulation –To remove the requirement for member states to submit annual reports on depopulation operations.
  • Fermentation products – Finally, the commission seeks to clarify the legal status of fermentation products made using genetically modified microorganisms – specifically whether they fall within the scope of GMO legislation.

Feedback on the proposal can be submitted until 14 October 2025. We can assist you in preparing your response to ensure your specific interests are clearly articulated and considered by the European Commission, which aims to adopt the new Omnibus Act by the end of the year.