Pesticides and biocides environmental legislation
This page provides links to the full text of key pieces of environmental legislation relating to pesticides and biocides. The websites hosting the legislation may list amendments separately.
If you are setting up an environmental management system (EMS) for your business, you can use this list to start compiling your legal register. Your legal adviser or environmental consultant will be able to tell you if other environmental legislation applies to your specific business.
Environmental management systems (EMS) and environmental reports
Northern Ireland Pesticides and Biocides legislation
European Community (EC) Regulation 1107/2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market Controls the approval and placing on the market of plant protection products.
Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 Provides the legal framework for controlling pesticides.
Medicines Act 1968 Sets out the licences and certificates required for medicinal products.
Pesticides Act 1998 Amends the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 regarding powers to make pesticides regulations and enforcement of pesticide control measures.
EU Regulation No 528/2012 concerning the making available on the market and use of biocidal products
A direct acting EU regulation. It lays down rules for the authorisation of biocidal products relating to the making available on the market, use and control of such products within the EU.
EU Regulation No1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures
A direct acting EU regulation which came into force in 2009. It adopts an international chemicals hazard classification and labelling system for the supply of substances and mixtures in the EU. It replaces the existing European System and after a transitional period takes full effect from 1 June 2015.
Appoints competent authorities and provides for enforcement, including penalties for infringement, in respect of two direct-acting EU Regulations, namely Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 concerning the making available on the market and use of biocidal products and Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures.
Biocidal Products (Fees and Charges) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 SR 207
Make provision for fees payable by duty-holders under the Biocides Regulations.
Biocidal Products Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR 2001/422
Biocidal Products (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR 2007/190
Biocidal Products (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR 2010/163
Applications for biocidal product authorisations submitted before 1st September 2013 shall be evaluated in accordance with these regulations. Following evaluation, if a decision is proposed to authorise or refuse to authorise a biocidal product that decision will be taken in accordance with the Biocides Regulation EU 528/2012
Control of Pesticides Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR 1987/414. Defines which pesticides are controlled (amended by later legislation) and require full approval and consent from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development before they may be advertised, sold, supplied, stored or used. Not available online.
Control of Pesticides (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR 1991/203. Not available online.
Control of Pesticides (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR 1997/469 Amends 1987/414 to clarify the scope, exclusions from the approval process and extend access to information about approvals.
Plant Health Order (Northern Ireland) 2018 SR 184
Revokes and consolidates with amendments the Plant Health Order (NI) 2006/82 and replaces the Plant Health (Phytophthora ramorum) Order (NI) 2005/23. Implements the EU Plant Health regime established by CD 2000/29/EC on protective measures against the introduction of organisms harmful to plants or plant products and their spread within the EU.
Plant Protection Products Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR 1995/371. Controls the sale and supply of plant protection products, mainly agricultural pesticides. Makes it an offence to use or distribute a non-approved pesticide. Not available online.
Plant Protection Products (Basic Conditions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR 1997/470 Specifies controls on marketing, advertising, storing and using plant protection products in Northern Ireland.
Plant Protection Products Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR 2005/526 Sets out the approval system for placing plant protection products on the market in Northern Ireland, including enforcement, offences and penalties.
Plant Protection Products (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR 2007/251 Amends the Biocidal Products Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001 to make further measures to implement Directive 98/8/EC on placing biocidal products on the market.
Plant Protection Products (Amendment No 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR 2008/499 Amends 2005/526 to refer to the EU Plant Protection Directive.
Plant Protection Products Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR 2011/295 Implements various aspects of EC Regulation 1107/2009. They also lay down enforcement powers and penalties for infringements regarding the placing on the market of plant protection products.
The Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012 These regulations establish a framework tom,promote good practice in the storage, use and disposal of Plant Protection Products (PPPs) and their packaging. Measures include the establishment of NAPs, compulsory testing of equipment, provision of training for operators, advisors and distributors of PPPs, and a ban on aerial spraying.
Scotland Pesticides and Biocides legislation
European Community (EC) Regulation 1107/2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market Controls the approval and placing on the market of plant protection products.
Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 Provides the legal framework for controlling pesticides.
Medicines Act 1968 Sets out the licences and certificates required for medicinal products.
Pesticides Act 1998 Amends the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 regarding powers to make pesticides regulations and enforcement of pesticide control measures.
EU Regulation No 528/2012 concerning the making available on the market and use of biocidal products
A direct acting EU regulation. It lays down rules for the authorisation of biocidal products relating to the making available on the market, use and control of such products within the EU.
EU Regulation No1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures
A direct acting EU regulation which came into force in 2009. It adopts an international chemicals hazard classification and labelling system for the supply of substances and mixtures in the EU. It replaces the existing European System and after a transitional period takes full effect from 1 June 2015.
The Biocidal Products (Fees and Charges) Regulations 2013 SI 1507
Make provision for fees payable by duty-holders under the Biocides Regulations
Appoints competent authorities and provides for enforcement, including penalties for infringement, in respect of two direct-acting EU Regulations, namely Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 concerning the making available on the market and use of biocidal products and Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures.
Biocidal Products Regulations SI 2001/880 Bans placing biocidal products (or a new substance for use in a product) on the market without authorisation.
Biocidal Products (Amendment) Regulations SI 2007/293 Amends 2001/880, including the definitions of 'existing active substance' and 'new active substance'.
Biocidal Products (Amendment) Regulations SI 2010/745 Amends 2001/880 to extend to 14 May 2014 the end date for transitional provisions allowing existing products to remain on the market and subject to UK legislation while their active substances are reviewed for safety.
Control of Pesticides Regulations SI 1986/1510. Sets out restrictions on selling, supplying or storing pesticides and precautions to protect the health of humans, the environment, and particularly water, when using pesticides. Not available online.
Control of Pesticides (Amendment) Regulations SI 1997/188 Amends 1986/1510, explaining what the regulations cover, how regulators can seize and dispose of pesticides and inform the public.
Plant Protection Products (Basic Conditions) Regulations SI 1997/189 Specifies controls on marketing, advertising, storing and using plant protection products.
Plant Protection Products (Scotland) Amendment Regulations SSI 2006/241 Amends 2005/331 to add 21 more active substances that can be used in plant protection products in Scotland.
Plant Protection Products (Scotland) Amendment (No 2) Regulations SSI 2006/449 Amends 2005/331 by substituting a new schedule of active substances.
Plant Protection Products (Scotland) Amendment Regulations SSI 2007/119 Amends 2005/331 to add 14 more active substances that can be used in plant protection products in Scotland.
The Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012 These regulations establish a framework tom,promote good practice in the storage, use and disposal of Plant Protection Products (PPPs) and their packaging. Measures include the establishment of NAPs, compulsory testing of equipment, provision of training for operators, advisors and distributors of PPPs, and a ban on aerial spraying.