Plant protection product (pesticide) authorisation application types available to Northern Ireland.

Regulation (EU) 1107/2009 sets out the requirements, procedure and timeframes for authorisation of PPPs.  In addition to applications for new PPPs under Article 33 or renewal applications of existing PPPs under Article 43, the following alternative application approaches are still available for the authorisation of products for marketing and use in Northern Ireland.

Mutual Recognition

Where a PPP has been authorised in an EU Member State, the holder of that authorisation may apply for mutual recognition of that authorisation in Northern Ireland; provided the application relates to the same product and use, and comparable agricultural practices to Northern Ireland. 

This is under Article 40 of Regulation (EC) 1107/2009.

Articles 40-42 of Regulation (EU) 1107/2009 explain the requirements, contents and procedure for Mutual Recognition. Further guidance on the procedures, timelines and charges is available on the HSE website/Article 40.

Zonal pesticide product authorisation

You can apply for a PPP authorisation in Northern Ireland via the zonal application process. Your application will need to contain appropriate information so that it can be determine whether the use of the product in the reference Member State is comparable with the proposed use of the product in NI. These applications should not involve data evaluation (except where data is required to address the national specific requirements or demonstrate comparability of environmental / agricultural conditions).

All following zonal applications will be processed in line with the normal procedures for the evaluation of applications for a new PPP in accordance with Articles 33–39 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. Further guidance on the procedures, timelines and charges is available on the HSE website/Zonal.

Parallel trade permit procedure

Manufactures can apply for a PPP authorisation in Northern Ireland via the Parallel Trade Permit process. Parallel trade permits allow a product that is authorised in one Member State (origin MS) to be introduced into another Member State (introduction MS), if the Member State of introduction determines that an identical product is already authorised in its territory. The parallel trade permit provisions do not require an applicant to provide evidence to prove that the product is safe and efficacious.

Please note that you cannot seek a parallel trade permit where the origin product is authorised in GB only.

Article 52 of Regulation (EU) 1107/2009 explains the process for applying for a parallel trade permit. Further guidance on the procedures, timelines and charges is available on the HSE website/Parallel Trade.

Parallel trade permits for 'own-use'

An “own-use” parallel trade permit is separate to a commercial parallel trade permit in that any person can apply for an own-use parallel trade permit and once an own-use permit has been granted, anybody may benefit from it and import the authorised product for their own use. However, it does not allow the imported product to be placed on the market in Northern Ireland.

Further guidance is on the HSE website/Parallel Trade.

Application processing

All plant protection product applications and renewals of existing PPP applications for use in Northern Ireland continue to be evaluated and authorised by the Health and Safety Executive in Great Britain on the Departments behalf. More information on how to apply for a PPP authorisation in  NI is available on the HSE website/Applicant Guide .

For general enquiries about plant protection products from applicants or industry,

Write to:

For pesticide product applications, notifications and additional submissions,

Email: pppapplications@hse.gov.uk

Write to:

You should be aware that any electronic communications with HSE may be monitored, recorded and retained for lawful purposes.