Guidance

How to comply with pesticide regulations from 1 January 2021

Make sure you meet regulations when using, producing or placing pesticides on the market after 1 January 2021.

This guidance was withdrawn on

This guidance was withdrawn on 31 December 2020

This page has been withdrawn because it’s out of date. For current information read pesticides guidance on the HSE website.

Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) will establish independent pesticides regulatory rules on 1 January 2021. If you’re producing or placing pesticides on the market, you must make sure they are authorised under the new rules from 1 January 2021.

New laws to ensure the safe use of pesticides (plant protection products) will be similar to existing laws.

If you produce or place food or feed on the market, you must ensure you comply with regulations for Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs). An MRL is the highest amount of pesticide residue legally allowed in or on food.

Current product authorisations and MRLs will still be valid in GB from 1 January 2021.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will continue to operate as the UK’s regulator. Under the terms of the Northern Ireland Protocol, the EU pesticides rules will continue to apply in Northern Ireland after 1 January 2021.

Published 6 October 2020