Is your spraying equipment compliant?

All application equipment applying pesticides must be tested. 

Red Tractor Crops and Fresh Produce Schemes currently require annual testing of boom sprayers over 3 metres, granular applicators applying nematicides and fogging machines applying CIPC. All other machines use the timescales as set out in SUD.

Red Tractor Livestock Schemes. All application types used in the livestock sectors work to SUD guidelines, annual testing is not required.

The Sustainable Use Directive (SUD) requires that all pesticide application equipment (PAE) is tested on a regular basis*

Any machine applying pesticides after 26/11/16 must be tested by the relevant dates. Timescales of test vary depending on type and size of equipment.

Boom sprayers over 3 metres wide, air blast sprayers, train and aircraft sprayers (includes Red Tractor Livestock Assurance Schemes)
          1. Tested by 26/11/16 OR first test due before the machine is 5 years old
          2. Re-test within 5 years up to 2020
          3. After 2020 re-test every 3 years

Boom sprayers 3 metres and under and other types of PAE to include slug pellet applicators, micro-granular applicators, weed wipers, seed treatment and other specialist application equipment
          1. Tested by 26/11/16 OR first test due before the machine is 5 years old
          2. Re-test every 6 years

Knapsack, handheld and pedestrian equipment
          1. Do not require a formal test but need to be checked
          2. You should keep a record of the inspection – a checklist is available from the NSTS website

Crops and Fresh Produce Assurance Scheme requirements
          1. Annual testing for sprayers over 3 metres inc. air blast sprayers
          2. Annual testing of nematicide applicators
          3. All other equipment to SUD requirements

*The legal requirements are contained in the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012