Pesticides
Pesticides are substances used to manage or eliminate pests. As some pesticides can threaten human health and the environment, the EPA controls their use in NSW and provides advice for people working with pesticides.
The EPA protects people, animals, plants and property from the dangers of pesticides. Learn about the different kinds of pests, find advice for using pesticides correctly, and read about the different ways we regulate pesticides in NSW.
Learn how to identify if a pesticide has been used incorrectly and report it to the EPA.
Understand how pesticides work, the risks associated with the different types of pesticides, and how the law sets out what you can do.
Do you need to use pesticides as part of your job? You may require a licence from the EPA. When using pesticides, you need to follow the rules to protect people and the environment.
Use eConnect EPA to apply online for Environment Protection, Radiation, Dangerous Goods and Pesticides licences, to manage your licence and submit annual returns.
There are ways to use pesticides alongside other measures to improve safety and efficacy. Integrated pest management (IPM) is an environmentally sensitive way of managing pests. Learn about IPM, and read some case studies with examples of how it can be used.
Learn about the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), the Australian Government regulator of agricultural and veterinary chemical products. You may need approval from the APVMA to possess, prepare, or use a pesticide.
Pesticides can be dangerous if used or managed incorrectly. Training in the correct use of pesticides helps prevent mistakes at work – keeping you, your family, the community, trade, and the environment safe.
All people who use pesticides as part of their job must record their pesticide use. Records provide vital information if an incident occurs, protect the pesticide user by providing evidence they used pesticides responsibly, and help track the effectiveness of pesticides.
If you are using pesticides in public parks, near schools, in common areas or spraying aerially, you must notify the community. Learn who you must notify, and the format for notifications.
Search for people and businesses with NSW pesticide licences. You can check whether someone has a licence, what type of licence they have, and whether it is up to date.