Pesticides and biocides

The use, supply, storage and advertisement of pesticides are regulated by a number of different regulations including the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 and the Plant Protection Products Regulations 1995 (PPPR).

The HSE is the regulator for pesticide products. These products split into two categories: those used in agriculture, horticultural and home gardens and those used for public hygiene. The Chemicals Regulation Directorate (www.pesticides.gov.uk), a division of the HSE, is responsible for ensuring the safe use of biocides, industrial chemicals, pesticides and detergents to protect the health of people and the environment, and for administering the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) Regulations). The use of pesticides is also regulated by COSHH.

The Biocidal Products Regulations (BPR) implemented the European-wide scheme (the Biocidal Products Directive 98/8/EEC) (BPD) that covers a very diverse group of products, including disinfectants, pest control products and preservatives. On 1 September 2013 the BPD was revoked and replaced by the directly acting EU Biocides Regulations (528/2012).

The EU Biocides Regulations act directly in member states, and so do not need to be enacted as UK legislation. However, new UK legislation has been put in place to specify enforcement action and penalties when there is a breach of the regulations. Appointing competent authorities and providing a system of fees and charges by which the costs of operating the biocides system in the UK can continue to be recovered. This is contained in:

• The Biocidal Products and Chemicals (Appointment of Authorities and Enforcement) Regulations 2013; and

• The Biocidal Products (Fees and Charges) Regulations 2013.