Pesticide active substances: introduction
An active substance is a chemical, plant extract, pheromone or micro-organism that has action against plant pests, weeds or diseases. Examples include:
- insecticides
- herbicides
- fungicides
- molluscicides
- plant growth regulators
Active substances can only be used within a plant protection product (PPP) if they are approved.
HSE is the assessing competent authority for GB and will evaluate the application for approval.
More on active substance approval
Types of active substances
Standard chemical
Active substances that are either organic or inorganic compounds.
Biopesticides
Biopesticide active substances are:
- microbials (such as a bacterium, fungus, protozoa, virus, or viroid)
- plant extracts and botanicals
- pheromones and semiochemicals, such as chemicals emitted by plants that evoke a behavioural or physiological response
More on biopesticides, including approval
Biostimulants
There are several types of biostimulants some of which are covered by the Plant Protection Products Regulation (PPPR).
Basic substances
A basic substance is an active substance that is not placed on the market primarily as a plant protection product but which may be of value for plant protection.
Regulations
Great Britain
Active substances in Great Britain must meet the requirements and conditions specified in retained Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009.
Retained Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 – legislation.gov.uk
Northern Ireland
Pesticides in Northern Ireland are regulated by the Northern Ireland Protocol, which is subject to existing EU law, Regulation (EC) 1107/2009 as it has effect in Northern Ireland.
Regulation (EC) 1107/2009 – EUR-Lex website