Abstract BACKGROUND The European Pesticide Regulation ( EC ) No. 1107/2009 encourages the use of less harmful active substances. Two main concerns involve the application of cut‐off criteria for pesticides without losing tools for future agriculture (especially for minor uses) and the implementation of zonal evaluations. Biopesticides are considered to have lower risks than synthetic pesticides; consequently, there is strong interest for their use in integrated pest management practices . RESULTS This paper provides an analysis of the current European situation, starting with the first attempts to regulate the use of plant protection products and focusing on the implications of the new legislative criteria for biopesticides . CONCLUSION It is important to be aware that biopesticides are still pesticides and fall under the same regulations as their synthetic counterparts. Although manufacturers are still reluctant to commit to such alternatives due to difficulties with approval and registration, biopesticides could be alternatives for traditional plant protection products, either as a base for the synthesis of new products or integrated with traditional plant protection products. In addition, biopesticides have to be used only as indicated on the label, which provides critical information about how to safely handle and use plant protection products. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry