Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive (SUD)
The Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive (SUD) establishes a framework for European Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides by setting minimum rules to reduce the risks to human health and the environment that are associated with pesticide use.
It also promotes the use of integrated pest management. Implementation of the SUD relies heavily on the training of the various people involved at all levels of the industry, including Pesticide Advisors, Pesticide Distributors, Professional Users/Sprayer Operators, and Inspectors of Pesticide Application Equipment.
Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive (SUD)
The Directive is designed to further enhance the high level of protection achieved through the entire regulatory system for pesticides.
Sustainable Use Directive – Summary of Compliance timelines
The main compliance requirements of the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive (SUD) as they apply to Pesticide Advisors (PA), Pesticide Distributors (PD) – professional and non- professional, Professional Users (PU) and Pesticide Application Equipment
Pesticide Advisor (PA)
- Since November 2013
It is illegal to provide advice on the use of plant protection products (PPPs) if you are not included on the DAFM register of Approved Pesticide Advisors. In order to remain on the register, PAs are required to maintain a programme of Continuing Professional Education (CPE).
Pesticide Distributor (PD)
- Since November 2015
(Professional Use Products) If you are selling or distributing pesticides, a registered PD, appropriately trained with regard to the sale of Professional Use Products must be available onsite at all times. It is an offence to offer PPPs for sale if there is not a registered PD onsite. Registered distributors of professional use PPPs are required to maintain a programme of CPE.
(Amateur Use Products) If you are selling or distributing pesticides, a registered PD appropriately trained with regard to the sale of Amateur Use Products must be available onsite at all times. It is an offence to offer PPPs for sale if there is not a registered PD onsite.
It is a requirement that retailers of professional use PPPs record the name and address, and where available the Herd No. and/or PU No. of the purchaser.
Registered Premises
- Since November 2015
Only premises registered with the DAFM are permitted to store/sell PPPs. Store registration implies that all the requirements with regard to store construction, fit-out and management are being complied with, 500L (or kg) of professional use PPPs is the maximum volume of product that can be held for display and sale in the retail space.
Professional User (PU)
- Since November 2015
It is illegal to apply Professional Use PPPs unless you are registered as a PU with the DAFM and have been allocated a PU No. In the event of a DAFM inspection, you will be required to produce evidence of having completed appropriate training.
Record Keeping for professional use pesticide products
Records detailing the use of all professional use PPPs (insecticides, fungicides and herbicides etc.,) used must be maintained by the land owner. Failure to keep such records is an offence under the Regulations and will be subjected to sanctions being imposed. PUs must apply the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which must be demonstrable and recorded
Pesticide Application Equipment (PAE)
After 26th November 2016
All sprayers that are more than 5 years old having a boom width of >3m, and all blast and orchard sprayers must have passed a Pesticide Application Equipment Test before being used to apply professional use plant protection products.
Equipment tests must be conducted by Inspectors approved by the DAFM.
All equipment that has passed the test must carry a DAFM label that will show a unique identifying number and indicate the date of test.