Cross compliance: restrictions on using plant protection products (SMR 10) (2026)

The aim of these requirements is to ensure that plant protection products (PPPs) are used correctly, and to minimise risks from their use to humans, wildlife and the environment. They apply to you if these products are used on your land.

Pesticides, also known as 'plant protection products' (PPP) are used to control pests, weeds and diseases. Examples include insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, molluscicides, and plant growth regulators.

They can exist in many forms, such as solid granules, powders or liquids and consist of one or more active substances co-formulated with other materials.

• only use PPPs which have a valid authorisation and where the user has undertaken training and hold a specified certificate
• meet the conditions and rules on the product label, in the authorisation, permit or in any extension of use
• follow good plant protection practice including the ‘Code of Practice for using Plant Protection Products’ as amended
• keep records of PPP applications; this is also an SMR4 requirement. These should include details of:
  • when – date and time applied
  • where – location and size of the area treated
  • what crop was being treated
  • why – reason for treatment
  • what product was used – including MAPP or MAFF number
  • how much – product and total  dressing
  • weather conditions at the time of the treatment
  • any other relevant information

• check that all PPPs are being used for their approved purpose, and in accordance with their labels
• examples of what the requirements or conditions relate to are:
  • correct product has been used on the appropriate crops and in the right situations
  • maximum individual dose has not been exceeded
  • maximum number of product applications has not been exceeded
  • product has been applied at the correct time
  • personal protective equipment is available
  • necessary withdrawal periods have been adhered to
  • safe storage (keep out of reach of children, keep in original container, protect from frost, prevent damage to the environment, etc)
  • safe disposal (triple rinse containers, add washings to sprayer at time of filling, etc)

In addition to the main requirements that concern Cross Compliance, to comply with the law you must also meet these requirements:

• if your work involves plant protection products (PPPs), you must comply with the Official Controls (Plant Protection Products) Regulations 2020. This includes registering with the competent authority. Defra will collect this information on behalf of Scottish and Welsh Governments. You can register here: Professional plant protection products (PPPs): register as a user (on gov.uk)
• anyone who applies a professional PPP must undertake training and hold a specified certificate. This includes contractors that you employ to work on your farm.
• PPP application equipment, such as boom sprayers and weed wipers, must be tested under the National Spray Testing Scheme (NSTS) before it is 5 years old. After 5 years, testing should occur regularly, either every 3 or 6 years, depending on the equipment type. Knapsack, handheld sprayers and pedestrian equipment with less than 3 wheels must also be checked on a regular basis. Remember to keep up-to-date records of inspections, checks and repairs
• only spray when weather conditions are suitable to minimise the risk of spray drift. The law requires that pesticide applications are confined to the target area

• see Cross compliance: useful contacts (2026)
• further information on authorised and permitted products can be found on www.hse.gov.uk
• further guidance on the storage of pesticides is detailed within the HSE information sheet ‘Guidance on storing pesticides for farmers and other professional users’ (on hse.gov.uk)
• see the ‘Code of Practice for using Plant Protection Products' (on hse.gov.uk)
• an example ‘Pesticide treatment record’ sheet can be found on our website
• details of the requirements for regular inspection of pesticide application equipment can be found on our website