Plant Protection Products are defined as products, in the form in which they are supplied to the user, consisting of or containing active substances, safeners or synergists, and intended for one of the following uses:
protecting plants or plant products against all harmful organisms or preventing the action of such organisms, unless the main purpose of these products is considered to be for reasons of hygiene rather than for the protection of plants or plant products;
influencing the life processes of plants, such as substances influencing their growth, other than as a nutrient;
preserving plant products, in so far as such substances or products are not subject to special Community provisions on preservatives;
destroying undesired plants or parts of plants, except algae unless the products are applied on soil or water to protect plants;
checking or preventing undesired growth of plants, except algae unless the products are applied on soil or water to protect plants.
Legislation in Malta on Plant Protection Products:
Only plant protection products which are authorised for use in Malta may be applied on crops. The list of current authorised plant protection products for use in Malta can be found above. For further information on authorisation or importation of plant protection products, kindly contact [email protected].
Maximum Residue Levels for Plant Protection Products (MRLs)
MRLs are the upper legal level of a concentration for a pesticide residue in or on food or feed set in accordance with this Regulation, based on good agricultural practice and the lowest consumer exposure necessary to protect vulnerable consumers
The implementation of the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Regulations, relies on the training on various stakeholders involved at all levels of the industry, including Professional Users of Plant Protection Products, Distributors of Plant Protection Products, Advisors, Trainers and the general public.
Metaldehyde Containing Products – Guidance Material
A professional user is any person who uses pesticides in the course of their professional activities, including operators, technicians, employers and self-employed people, both in the farming and other sectors. Professional users are required to undergo training to be certified. A list of MCCAA authorised trainers who may be contacted can be found below. The application form for professional user certification can be found the above section.
Pesticide application equipment is any equipment specifically intended for the application of pesticides, including accessories that are essential for the effective operation of such equipment, such as nozzles, manometers, filters, strainers and cleaning devices for tanks. Pesticide application equipment is use requires testing. For further information on which equipment type is eligible for testing, and the procedure to apply for the testing, can be found at the below links.
A distributor is any natural or legal person who makes a plant protection product available on the market, including wholesalers, retailers, vendors and suppliers. A list of MCCAA certified distributors can be found below. The application form for distributor certification can be found the above section.
An advisor is any person who has acquired adequate knowledge and advises on pest management and the safe use of plant protection products, in the context of a professional capacity or commercial service, including private self-employed and public advisory services, commercial agents, food producers and retailers where applicable. A list of MCCAA certified distributors can be found below.
An integral part of the National Action Plan for Sustainable Use of Pesticides in Malta is the development of Guidelines for Integrated Pest Management for Malta. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to humans, animals, and the environment. The following guidelines have been adopted for the Maltese Islands.
One of the provisions of the National Action Plan for Sustainable Use of Pesticides, is the development of Guidelines for Non-professional Users of Pesticides i.e. the use of pesticides by the general public. The main aim of these guidelines is to reduce risks and impacts of pesticides use on human and environmental health. Therefore, the guidelines encompass the use of pesticides of low toxicity, ready to use formulations and limitations on sizes of containers and packaging. This information, in combination with guidelines for the protection of human health, the safe use of pesticides during handling, storing, application and disposal and non-chemical methods have been adopted for non-professional users of pesticides.
These HRIs are necessary to measure progress in meeting the objective of the SUD in the reduction of risks for pesticide use for human health and the environment. Harmonised Risk Indicators for Malta can be found at the below link.