Germany to propose update of glyphosate’s hazard classification

New classification would warn chemical “may cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure”

Germany intends to submit a dossier to the EU authorities to identify glyphosate as STOT RE 2; H373 (i.e. may cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure).

STOT RE Category 2 is for “substances that, on the basis of evidence from studies in experimental animals, can be presumed to have the potential to be harmful to human health following repeated exposure”.

The registry of intention also states that “Depending on the evaluation of the IARC Monograph on Glyphosate a re-evaluation of further endpoints might be necessary”. IARC earlier this year concluded that glyphosate is a probable carcinogen.

After the dossier is submitted a public consultation will be opened.

It’s premature to judge how this process will work out in the end, but it’s gratifying to see some movement from Germany towards re-evaluating the risks of glyphosate more critically.