Pesticides and biocides

Before you use any pesticide or biocide, you must make sure that it has been approved by the correct regulating body:

• the Chemicals Regulation Division (CRD) - part of the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) - regulates plant protection products and biocidal products
• the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency regulates medicines and products used on humans, such as anti-headlice treatments and certain skin disinfectants
• the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) regulates veterinary medicinal products, including sheep dips and other products used to treat animals

You must only use the product in accordance with the conditions set by their authorisation and as specified on the product labelling.

Training and certificates for using plant protection products

If you use pesticides or biocides as part of your job you must have the correct training, instruction and guidance. For advice on training requirements, you can read a code of good agricultural practice.

If you employ someone else to apply plant protection products for you, make sure they have the appropriate qualifications to do the job. If you use someone who isn't qualified, you may have to pay to clean up any pollution incidents they cause.

Be qualified to fumigate

Fumigation is a potentially hazardous process which uses toxic gases to kill pests.

Professional users of pesticides products are required to hold a specified certificate of competence. There is no requirement for a specified certificate of competence for those using a professional biocidal product, although everyone who uses biocides is responsible for using them correctly and safely.

If you employ someone else to carry out fumigation, check that they are qualified.

Find a list of UK designated bodies and recognised specified certificates (PDF, 208K).