For products approved for agricultural use, users must have a certificate of competence (awarded by Basis (Registration) Limited) or be under the direct supervision of a certificate holder, and all other conditions of the consent and approval must be complied with.
A pesticide 'approved for agricultural use' is one approved in the following fields of use:
- Agriculture and horticulture
- Forestry
- In or near water (but not amateur use, public hygiene or anti-fouling products)
- Industrial herbicide.
Storage of pesticides
For products approved for agricultural use, where more than 200kg or 200 litres are being stored for sale or supply, a store person must have a certificate of competence awarded by Basis (Registration) Limited, or be working under the direct supervision of a certificate holder. Pesticides must be stored in adequate facilities and comply with the Code of Practice for Suppliers of Pesticides to Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry (PB3529). In addition, all other conditions of the consent and approval must be complied with.
Where less than 200kg or fewer than 200 litres of pesticides approved for agricultural use are stored for sale or supply, or where the products are not approved for agricultural use, just the conditions of the consent and approval must be complied with.
Use of pesticides
Non-agricultural pesticides must be used by the correct user (ie professional, industrial or amateur users). The operator must take all reasonable precautions (ref: consent and guidance in the 'Code of practice for using plant protection products'). The statutory conditions of use on the label must be complied with.
When using agricultural pesticides, certificates of competence (awarded by the National Proficiency Tests Council) are required for use of the pesticide if:
- Its use is as part of a commercial service; or
- If the operator was born after 31st December 1964; or
- The operator must be working under the direct supervision of a certificate holder