Agriculture & Farming

Biocides and Pesticides Authorisation

Get HSE CRD authorisation for biocidal and pesticidal products.

UK-wide
Guide summary

You must get authorisation from HSE CRD before selling biocidal or pesticidal products in GB. This involves two steps: first approve the active substance, then authorise the product. Fees and timelines vary by product type and risk level.

  • Get active substance approval before product authorisation
  • Active substance approval takes 12-36 months
  • Product authorisation takes 6-12 months (full dossier)
  • Low-risk products can get authorisation in 60 days
  • Active substance approval costs £50,000-£500,000+
  • Biocide authorisation costs £5,000-£30,000
  • Pesticide authorisation costs £2,000-£15,000
  • Authorisation lasts 10 years
  • Get a parallel trade permit for EU-authorised imports
  • Unauthorised supply risks unlimited fines or 3 months prison
On this page
UK-wide

Related guides in COSHH

Biocidal and pesticidal products cannot be placed on the GB market without authorisation from HSE's Chemicals Regulation Division (CRD). This is a two-stage process requiring active substance approval before product authorisation.

Product types requiring authorisation

  • Biocides: Disinfectants, preservatives, pest control products, antifouling
  • Pesticides: Plant protection products for agriculture and horticulture

Post-Brexit transition

Products authorised under EU regulations before Brexit retained their authorisation. New products or renewals now require GB-specific authorisation from HSE CRD. Parallel trade permits are needed for importing EU-authorised products.