NSW Environmental Protection Agency NSW Government
 

Pesticide control orders

The EPA issues pesticide control orders (PCOs) to ensure restricted pesticides are used safely and disposed of appropriately. You can only use restricted pesticides if authorised to do so under a PCO or a restricted pesticide authorisation. A PCO can also place conditions on use of a non-restricted pesticide.

PCOs

  • prohibit or control the use of a pesticide or class of pesticide
  • state how pesticides may be used in specific situations 
  • authorise who can possess a restricted pesticide
  • declare how the restricted pesticide must be used and what conditions apply 
  • specify training qualification requirements for use of the pesticide.

The EPA issues PCOs

A PCO commences on the date it is published or at a date specified in the PCO that must be later than the publication date. PCO's are published in the NSW Government Gazette and details may also be advertised in certain newspapers.

Restricted pesticides

A restricted pesticide may

  • be harmful to humans
  • have an unintended effect that is harmful to any animal or plant, or the environment
  • require special knowledge, skill or qualifications for preparation or handling
  • require specific equipment to use the product safely

The Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) determines what pesticides are appropriate to have restrictions placed on their supply and use. Restricted pesticides are listed in Schedule 4 of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Regulations 1995.

Competencies for using restricted chemical products

The competencies that must be obtained for using restricted chemical products in NSW are listed in each PCO. Unless otherwise stated, these competencies are in addition to those listed in the current notice of approved units of competency (PDF 685KB), which was published in NSW Gazette 592 on 23 December 2022.

Current pesticide control orders

Most pesticide control orders in force in NSW relate to the use of restricted pesticides.

To use restricted pesticides, you must:

  • have appropriate training
  • meet the requirements for possession
  • use only in accordance with the conditions for use 

1080, para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP), pindone (concentrate) and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease virus (RHDV) are restricted pesticides used to control specific vertebrate pests and can only be used by people who are authorised to do so, under a relevant PCO.

If you are a landholder and plan to use 1080 or another restricted vertebrate pesticide, you will need to contact the Local Land Services office in your area to discuss if you are able to do so. The Local Land Services provide specific training for the use of 1080 and the other restricted vertebrate pesticides.

All PCOs are published in the NSW Government Gazette.

1080 PCOs

The EPA has issued a number of PCOs for the use of 1080. They are:

Find out more on 1080

Other PCOs
Revoked pesticide orders

These PCOs have been revoked by the EPA

  • Pesticide Control (Endosulfan) Order 2000
  • Pesticide Control (Bromadiolone) Order 2000
  • Pesticide Control (1080 Livestock Protection Collar) Order 2007
  • Pesticide Control (Mevinphos) Order 2003

The orders for endosulfan and mevinphos were revoked as products containing these active constituents are no longer registered for use in Australia. These products must not be used in NSW. The EPA has the power to take regulatory action under the Pesticides Act 1999 for a person found to be still using these products. 

Bromadiolone products are no longer controlled via PCOs. All other use of 1080 products, which are restricted pesticides, are subject to conditions in current PCOs.

Penalties

Strict penalties may apply if you do not comply with a PCO. Under the Pesticides Act 1999, the maximum penalties are

  • $60,000 for an individual
  • $120,000 for a corporation