Sector

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

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

08 January 2026

Latest news

Glue trap sales changes can move forward after committee backs regulations

The Draft United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020 (Exclusions from Market Access Principles: Glue Traps) Regulations 2025 cleared an important hurdle yesterday.

Read more
Latest View all news

11 March 2026

Latest news

Government confirms UK-EU alignment on biocides under new SPS agreement

The UK Government has confirmed that rules governing biocidal products will be aligned with European Union regulations as part of a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement.

Read more

11 March 2026

Latest news

Which? Trusted Traders offer launches for BPCA members

BPCA members can take advantage of a new limited-time offer from Which? Trusted Traders aimed at helping pest management businesses stand out and win more work.

Read more

10 March 2026

Latest news

War in the Middle East pushes UK fuel prices higher

Oil prices have surged above $100 a barrel for the first time in years following conflict in the Middle East, pushing up petrol and diesel prices across the UK.

Read more