Our product stewardship principles
Ensuring our products meet the highest standards of safety starts with uniting the entire life cycle of our products under the same basic procedures and ideals. See our principles and their key requirements below for details on how we responsibly and ethically manage our products at every point in the product life cycle. A complete explanation of our key requirements is available in our Group Regulation on Product Stewardship Commitment, Principles and Key Requirements.
 | 1. Research and Development Bayer aims to develop sustainable products and services with improved efficacy, productivity, environmental and human safety profiles. Bayer will test products and services according to applicable regulations and perform robust and comprehensive risk assessments in accordance with sound scientific procedures and applicable regulatory requirements. Bayer will obtain product authorizations in the country where the product is to be cultivated, sold, or used, as well as import tolerances/authorizations for key import countries with functioning regulatory systems, and will follow accepted industry standards. |
 | 2. Production Bayer production facilities and sites will be of an appropriate standard in all countries in which products are manufactured or seeds are produced to minimize risks to health, safety, and the environment, as well as to use resources efficiently and in compliance with applicable regulations or industry standards. Where third parties product on behalf of Bayer, contractual agreements will include stewardship requirements consistent with Bayer internal requirements. |
 | 3. Packing, Storage, and Transport Bayer will ensure that packaging is qualified for use with products and that products are stored and transported according to applicable legal and regulatory requirements in a manner that is appropriate for the market and intended use, including guidance on use, storage, and handling consistent with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) or Excellence Through Stewardship (ETS) Guidelines and internal Bayer standards. |
 | 4. Marketing, Branding, Intellectual Property, Sales, and Distribution Bayer will adhere to ethical sales and marketing practices that meet applicable regulations, as well as internal Bayer standards. Responsible marketing and sales also involves monitoring the implementation of procedures, systems, and processes by all relevant Bayer legal entities and distributors of Bayer products and services. |
 | 5. Integrated Pest Management/Resistance Management Bayer will support the implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) measures, including resistance management tools for all Bayer products and services. |
 | 6. Responsible Use Bayer will ensure that appropriate programs are implemented to train and instruct Bayer employees and customers regarding the responsible management of Bayer products and services throughout their life cycle. |
 | 7. Container Management Bayer will actively support programs to safely recycle and, if not feasible, encourage safe disposal of empty packages and containers in accordance with local regulations. |
 | 8. Product Discontinuation/Disposal of Obsolete Stocks Bayer will have policies and procedures in place to ensure safe and effective discontinuation of products and services throughout the life cycle, including disposal of obsolete product inventory or waste. |
Keeping Crop Science products safe and sustainable
Product stewardship not only guarantees the quality, availability, and efficacy of every new innovation we pursue but also plays a critical role in maintaining the quality and integrity of our research and development.
We believe in the responsible use of plant biotechnology to develop innovative solutions that can help farmers grow enough healthy, nutritious food while reducing our impact on the environment. Product Stewardship helps make this possible. Additionally, we provide our stakeholders with comprehensive, transparent, and reliable information about our products and services in accordance with our Bayer Responsible Marketing & Sales Policy as well as our Transparency Initiative.
