Latest News from BPCA

25 May 2022

Guidance for professional users of Plant Protection Products

AGRICULTURE

If you use professional plant protection products as part of your work,  or if you have professional PPPs applied by a third party as part of your work in agriculture, horticulture, the amenity sector or forestry in Great Britain, then you must notify Defra by 22 June 2022

guidanceforusersofplantprotectionproductsdefra

The Official Controls (Plant Protection Products) Regulations 2020 apply the Official Controls Regulations (OCR) to PPPs in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales).

They introduce requirements for all operators involved in the supply of PPPs and professional users to notify their competent authority.

In England this is the Secretary of State. In Wales and Scotland this is the Welsh and Scottish Ministers.

Defra is collecting information on behalf of Scottish and Welsh Governments.

NOTE: this is plant protection products only – it is not all pesticide users.

The OCR aims to improve feed and food safety, animal health and welfare and plant health by applying official controls throughout the agri-food supply chain.

Read more in this policy statement.

Retailers of amateur PPPs are also subject to the 2020 Regulations but should NOT notify Defra using this form. Further information will be released soon on how these businesses can provide their information by the 22 June 2022 deadline.

If your business imports, manufactures, processes, distributes, or sells professional plant protection products in Great Britain (England, Scotland or Wales) the deadline to notify Defra was 22 September 2021.

If you have not yet done so, you should notify Defra immediately.

The guidance on gov.uk explains how to use these forms and who needs to register.

You do not need to notify Defra if:

  • You use pesticides, but not as part of your work - for example in your garden at your home
  • Your business is in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man

If your business is located in Northern Ireland, you should notify DAERA and can find further information on the DAERA website.

Source: Defra

Highlights View all news

17 February 2026

Latest news

BPCA launches WhatsApp noticeboard for members - BPCA Insider

BPCA has launched BPCA Insider, a new WhatsApp community noticeboard designed to give members and volunteers quick, direct updates from the Association.

Read more

29 January 2026

Latest news

Have your say on the new Level 4 pest management qualification

The professional pest management industry is entering a key period of change. As standards rise, the need for a clear, credible and practical career pathway has never been more important.

Read more

27 January 2026

Latest news

BPCA submits evidence on Decent Homes Standard (Northern Ireland)

BPCA is taking the fight against pests in rented properties to Northern Ireland, responding to proposals to update the Decent Homes Standard, which applies to social housing.

Read more
Latest View all news

26 February 2026

Latest news

First to be awarded Deer Management Certificate Level 3

Press release: Karolien Van der Vorm has become the first person in the UK to be awarded the Deer Management Certificate Level 3 (DMC3).

Read more

25 February 2026

Latest news

BASF product pre-launch unveils innovative fly control solution

Pest control manufacturer and BPCA member BASF held a packed product pre-launch event this week, to showcase its latest innovation in fly management. 

Read more

25 February 2026

Latest news

BPCA exhibiting at SOFHT Innovation Day 2026

BPCA will be exhibiting at the Society of Food Hygiene and Technology Innovation Day on Thursday 12 March 2026 at York Biotech Campus Centre.

Read more