This draft new Test Guideline is designed to be used for assessing short- and long-term effects of chemicals on earthworms in soils under field conditions and is intended to be used for the registration of chemicals The draft new TG is based on an existing ISO Guideline, i.e. ISO 11268-3, which has been in use since 1999.
First commenting round on the draft new Test Guideline for the determination of effects on earthworms (Oligochaeta, Annelida) in Field Studies
- Submission period
- 11 November - 22 December 2025
Background public consultation
Project description
The validation process for this Test Guideline was based on experiences gained in the practical performance and regulatory assessment of earthworm field studies according to the ISO standard, as conducted in different European countries with several field situations in terms of soil characterisation, history of use, earthworm communities and tested chemicals. The main procedures, processes of the study as well as the study set up have not changed between ISO standard and draft Test Guideline protocol.
The protocol was subsequently reviewed by a dedicated Expert Group prior to starting the review by the Working Party of National Coordinators of the Test Guidelines Programme.
How to-contribute
The draft new Test Guideline is currently under a commenting round by the Working Party of the National Coordinators of the Test Guidelines Programmes and open for comments from the public at the same time. Interested parties are invited to contact their National Coordinators at least a week before 22 December 2025.
