Authorization to sell or use pesticides

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

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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

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Apply for a pesticide licence

Before you apply, first confirm that you need a licence:

• Get the right pesticide authorization

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.

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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

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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

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Apply for a pesticide permit

Certain pesticide uses require a permit instead of a confirmation or a licence:

• Get an overview of when a permit is required 

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).