Clarification for testing certain types of pesticide application equipment (PAE)
Updated September 2024
Below is some information on the requirements for testing trolley type and pedestrian PAE
Equipment that is required to have a valid NSTS certificate also includes manually propelled or self-propelled trolley type application equipment with 3 or more wheels and with a motorised pump. The first test is due before the sprayer is 5 years old, then every 6 years thereafter.
Pedestrian equipment is defined as having a maximum of 2 wheels or those operated with a manually pressurised pump. They are required to be inspected on a regular basis, repairs made as necessary and a record kept of the inspection. An operator check list is available HERE
Sustainable Use Directive (SUD)
As part of the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012, pesticide application equipment (PAE) testing became a legal requirement from 26th November 2016. Any machine applying a professional pesticide must be tested by the specified dates and intervals thereafter.
For all new PAE, the first test is due before the machine is 5 years old. Boom sprayers over 3 metres, air blast sprayers, and train and aircraft sprayers must be tested at least every 3 years.
Boom sprayers 3 metres and under, micro-granular and slug pellet applicators, weed wipers, seed treatment and other specialist application equipment are due a re-test every 6 years.
There are no changes to crop assurance scheme requirements, boom sprayers and micro-granular nematicide applicators must be tested annually.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) measures must always be considered before any applications are made.
The requirements have been put in place to help ensure safe and accurate application of plant protection products. Along with qualified operators, when pesticides need to be used they can be applied in a safe and sustainable way.
The Sustainable Use Directive (SUD) requires that all pesticide application equipment (PAE) is tested on a regular basis.*
The Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012 states that all types of PAE must be tested to certain timescales depending on the age of the machine and further information can be found HERE on the frequency of testing required. The legislation relates to all sectors, agriculture, horticulture, amenity and fruit but for anyone applying a professional pesticide, the equipment must be tested. Application equipment that does not require an NSTS test are knapsacks, handheld and pedestrian equipment. These need to be inspected by a competent person, repairs made as required and a record kept. For knapsack sprayers a checklist is available HERE to use and record the results.
* The legal requirements are contained in the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012