You must read and understand the label before you start to use the product.
The label is the main source of information on the safe and effective use of a product. The product label must always be supplied with the container. Additional information may also sometimes be supplied as a separate leaflet.
It is essential that all the information is read carefully and understood before a pesticide is used because it informs the user of the safe and proper use of the product.
Statutory Conditions of Use
It is an offence not to follow the statutory conditions of use of a pesticide: these are detailed in the relevant notice of approval.
Details of approvals are published on this website: https://secure.pesticides.gov.uk/pestreg/.
Additionally, the Control of Pesticide Regulations (COPR) require that the product label be consistent with the statutory conditions of use. There are special requirements for "off-label" approvals and commodity substances. Statutory conditions of use will differ from product to product and use to use. They cover:
- Field of use restrictions, e.g. agriculture, wood preservative;
- User restrictions;
- The crop or situation which may be treated;
- Maximum individual dose/application rate;
- Maximum number of treatments or maximum total dose;
- Maximum area or quantity which may be treated;
- Latest time of application, harvest or re-entry interval;
- Operator protection or training requirements;
- Environmental protection requirements.
It is therefore important to read the label (together with any accompanying leaflet) carefully, if possible before purchase and certainly before use.
Other Information on the Label
The information on the label also includes:
- the trade name and marketing company of the product;
- the MAPP (registration) number;
- the product's active ingredients (and their concentrations);
- any necessary hazard symbols;
- precautions to be taken during use;
- medical advice;
- safe disposal of the product;
- advice on what pests (including diseases and weeds) the product controls.
