Authorization to sell or use pesticides
There are restrictions on the sale and use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides in B.C.
An authorization may be required to:
- Sell pesticides
- Apply pesticides to public or private land
- Apply pesticides as a service
- Use for specified industrial uses or water
On this page
- Authorization types
- Apply for a pesticide licence
- Amending a licence
- Apply for a pesticide use confirmation
- Apply for a pesticide permit
Authorization types
There are 4 types of authorizations under the Integrated Pest Management Act and the Integrated Pest Management Regulation:
- Certificates are issued to individual pesticide applicators
- For businesses that have certified pesticide applicators:
- Licences
- Confirmations
- Permits
Before using any pesticides:
- Find out which authorization type is required for your specific situation
- Refer to the sector review paper to determine which authorization you need
Apply for a pesticide licence
Before you apply, first confirm that you need a licence:
Application requirements
To apply for a pesticide licence, you need:
- Someone on your staff with a valid pesticide certificate in the appropriate category
- Your business to be in good standing, if it's registered with the BC Registrar of Companies
Application options
There are 2 options to apply for your licence.
In person
- Bring your completed Pesticide Licence Application Form (PDF, 711KB) and payment to your nearest Service BC Centre
- If you're renewing your licence, bring a copy of the email that confirms you have submitted your annual summary report for the previous calendar year
- Send your completed Pesticide Licence Application Form (PDF, 711KB) to applications.sbc@gov.bc.ca
- If you're renewing your licence, include a copy of the email that confirms you have submitted your annual summary report for the previous calendar year
- You'll be contacted for payment
Amending a licence
If you make changes to your licence information after it's issued:
- Complete a new Pesticide Licence Application Form (PDF, 711KB)
- Send it to IPMPBC@gov.bc.ca with the subject line, 'Licence Amendment'
- If the changes result in a higher fee category, you must pay the fee increase
Apply for a pesticide use confirmation
In general, confirmations are necessary for large-scale industrial operations:
- Get an overview of when confirmations are required
- Review sector review papers to understand the requirements for confirmation holders
To apply for a pesticide use confirmation, you must first:
- Prepare a Pest Management Plan (PMP)
- Consult with the public on the PMP
- Conduct Indigenous engagement on the PMP
Resources for applying for a pesticide use confirmation:
- Understand the Confirmation Application Process (PDF, 180KB)
- Guidance for PMP Development (PDF, 440KB)
- Interim Guidance for Public Consultation (PDF, 226KB)
- Indigenous Engagement Guidance for Proponents (PDF, 507KB)
Once your PMP is complete, you can apply for your confirmation:
- Submit a Pesticide Use Notice (PDF, 424KB)
- Include a copy of your finalized PMP, public consultation report and Indigenous engagement report
- You can include a notice of intent to treat for the first year of treatment
Apply for a pesticide permit
Certain pesticide uses require a permit instead of a confirmation or a licence:
Resources for applying for a pesticide use permit:
- Understand the Permit Application Process (PDF, 178KB)
- Indigenous Engagement Guidance for Proponents (PDF, 507KB)
- Guidance for Treatment Plans (PDF, 750KB)
When you're ready to apply for a pesticide use permit, submit the Pesticide Use Permit Application Form (PDF, 435KB).
