Closed Transfer Systems: Safer Handling, Stronger Toolbox
18 November 2025, EU: Closed transfer systems allow liquid crop‑protection products to pass directly from the original container into the spray tank, eliminating the need to pour into an open induction hopper. This simple change greatly reduces the risk of splashes, spills, and operator exposure from the start of the process.
Protecting Operators and the Environment
Mixing and loading are the stages of highest potential exposure for operators. Evidence shows that properly used closed transfer systems can reduce a significant proportion of the exposure, offering a significant safety margin while supporting best‑practice stewardship. Sealed transfer also limits the risk of unintended releases into farmyards, soils, or watercourses, addressing a known source of environmental contamination. Reducing residues on equipment and containers further protects the surrounding environment.
Strengthening the Crop‑Protection Toolbox
Pilot programmes for closed transfer systems are already operating in multiple European countries, demonstrating their practicality and effectiveness. The industry has committed to making these systems available to all European operators by 2030, reflecting a long-term vision for safer and more sustainable crop‑protection practices. Successful adoption relies on compatibility with a variety of containers, adherence to international standards for leakage prevention and rinsing efficiency, and proper operator training. When integrated into broader stewardship strategies, closed transfer systems become a scalable measure for both safety and sustainability.
Policy and Strategic Relevance
Closed transfer systems exemplify modernised handling practices that align with policy priorities such as sustainable agriculture, regulatory simplification, and innovation access. By mitigating exposure risks at the critical mixing stage, they provide tangible benefits for operators, the environment, and the crop‑protection toolbox as a whole. The 2030 commitment underscores the sector’s long-term investment in safer, more resilient agricultural practices.
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