All restricted remedies will have the words “Restricted Agricultural Remedy” clearly marked on the product label, making identification of these products easier. This designation indicates that the product poses a risk to human health, animals, or the environment. The following rules now apply:

• A restricted agricultural remedy may only be used by a registered Pest Control Operator (PCO), and the PCO must be present during the mixing and application of the product.
• The PCO must obtain a licence in the correct agricultural field to be legally licensed for that specific use. These fields include fumigation, aerial application, agriculture and forestry, industrial vegetation and noxious weeds, landscape, supplemental and/or remedial wood treatment, structural, or any relevant specialisation. The field in which a person should register will depend on the type of agricultural remedy being used. For example, if the remedy is registered for use as a fumigant, a person must be registered in the field “fumigation” to purchase and use the remedy. If the remedy is registered for general use in agriculture, a person must be registered in the field “forestry and agriculture”. If a person has experience in using different types of remedies appropriate to different fields of registration, and the person has completed the required qualifications in support of these fields of registration, a person may apply for registration as a PCO in all applicable fields.
• Where the person responsible for purchasing agricultural remedies on a farm is not a registered PCO, restricted remedies may still be purchased, provided that a registered PCO is involved in the first purchase and supplies written authorisation.

To apply for a PCO licence in South Africa, applicants must obtain the latest official application form dated April 2025 from the National Department of Agriculture website, and submit the completed form in hard copy, either by courier or hand delivery, together with the required supporting documentation. This includes proof of accredited pest control training, evidence of 6-12 months of supervised practical experience (unless exempt due to a relevant diploma or degree), a valid medical report, a copy of the applicant’s identity documents (ID), and the prescribed application fee of R3 141 (valid until 1 April 2026). Once approved, DALRRD will issue a PCO registration certificate, which is valid for three years.

For further information on frequently asked questions pertaining to Restricted remedies and PCO licences, please visit https://www.croplife.co.za/CropProtection/RestrictedUseProducts.

A list of restricted agricultural remedies can be found on the National Department of Agriculture website: https://www.nda.gov.za/index.php/publication/616-registered-products#.

If a product is not classified as a restricted agricultural remedy, a PCO licence is not required to purchase or apply the remedy. However, it is essential for both small- and large-scale growers to understand their responsibilities when purchasing, handling, and using agricultural remedies in order to remain compliant with the law while still ensuring effective crop protection against major pests.