On-line plant protection sales initiative welcomed

The Agricultural Industries Confederation welcomes the announcement from the British Pest Controllers Association (BCPA) and the Crop Protection Association that an agreement has been reached with leading online trading platform eBay to restrict online sales of professional rodenticides and plant protection products.

eBay has announced that it will no longer permit sales of professional products between individuals. eBay shops will continue to offer products for sale, but only if they ensure appropriate certificates are in place.

CPA and BPCA have met with the AIC to ask for the organisation’s support with the initiative, which AIC is very happy to give.

“The crop protection supply sector has worked hard to ensure that professional products are only sold to customers who understand that those products can only be applied by individuals who hold appropriate certification, such as membership of the National Register of Sprayer Operators,” explains Hazel Doonan, Head of AIC’s crop protection and agronomy sector.

Hazel Doonan.

For professional rodenticides, eBay shops will only sell to buyers who can provide evidence of holding the relevant certificate.

“For the long-term good of users, the general public and the environment it is important that professional products are only sold to people who will be able to apply them in a professional manner taking full account of best practice and risk management, said Hazel.

“It is critical to keep professional products out of the hands of amateurs who are not qualified to use them safely or effectively. AIC Distributors have been following this approach for over-the-counter sales and a poster explaining the regulatory requirements for professional use has been displayed by many AIC distributors for some years.”