Pesticides and biocides

Pesticides and biocides must be approved before you can import, use, sell, store, supply or advertise them. Pesticides and biocides are approved depending on the product's use.

Biocidal products are approved by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) Chemicals Regulation Division (CRD). This covers products including:

• disinfectants
• insecticides (not for use on crops or plants)
• fungicides (not for use on crops or plants)
• algaecides
• pest/rodent control
• preservatives
• other products used for food storage and public hygiene

Plant protection products (PPP) are also approved and regulated by the CRD. This covers products including:

• herbicides
• insecticides
• fungicides
• molluscicides (snail and slug pellets)
• plant growth regulators

Human medicinal products are approved and regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This covers products used on humans such as anti-headlice treatments and some skin disinfectants.

Veterinary medicines are approved and regulated by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). This covers products used on animals such as sheep dip, worming and flea treatments.