All pesticides which are registered in the Memberstates of the EU are evaluated for their risks to non-target arthropods. Registration testing principally follows a three step testing sequence starting in the laboratory and ending in full-scale field studies. Laboratory testing is performed on indicator species for which rearing methods and validated testing guidelines have been developed. These species include the honeybee Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae), the predatory mite Typhlodromus pyri (Acarina: Phytoseiidae), the cereal parasitoid Aphidius rhopalosiphi (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), the springtail Folsomia candida (Collembola: Isotomidae) and the soil mite Hypoaspis aculeifer (Acari: Laelapidae). Endpoints of the laboratory tests on honeybees and leaf-dwelling arthropods on inert substrates are mortality and behavioural impairments. For springtails the reproductive performance is the testing endpoint, whereas for soil mites the reproductive performance and mortality are recorded. The results of laboratory testing on honeybees and leaf-dwelling arthropods allows a first risk evaluation based on a hazard quotient (HQ) approach, where the ratio between the intended application rate and the toxicity value in the laboratory (LD50 or LR50) is used for an indication of risks in the field. In contrast, a classical toxicity exposure ratio (TER) approach is followed for soil-dwelling non-target arthropods. If the HQ or TER approach, respectively, do not allow to exclude unacceptable risks to populations of non-target arthropods, higher Tier tests can be performed which use natural substrates or small-scaled habitats as testing arenas as well as additional testing species. Where field studies still indicate potentially unacceptable risks to populations of non-target arthropods, risk mitigation measures have to be considered. Those measures can be related to the application technique and timing (e.g. reduced spray pressure for treatment of field margins) or to specific application equipments (e.g. air injection nozzles). Risks which are predicted on the basis of laboratory assays should be regularly challenged by reality checks to (1) ensure the achievement of the protection goals and (2) to avoid unneeded field testing or use restrictions. Pollution; Chemical pollution; Abiotic factors; Chemical factors; Land zones; Palaearctic region; Eurasia Arthropoda; Fertilizer and pesticide pollution; Pesticide pollution; Fertilizers and pesticides; Pesticides; Risks to non target fauna; Europe; Pesticide risks to non target fauna, evaluation relating to pesticide registration procedure none