Having products that are safe, and whose performance has been assessed and conditions of use specified (taking into account progress in knowledge, diversity and any specific aspects of crop situations) is a major issue for farmers, consumers, industry and the environment. The use of plant protection products may cause direct or indirect risks to humans, whether this be the user or the general population, as well as to ecosystems. Assessing pesticides before they can be placed on the market, and monitoring them post-authorisation, are vital to public and environmental health.