Pesticides: Drones and aerial spraying guidance changes
This ebulletin contains information on the regulation of pesticides
 

View as a webpage

Health and Safety Executive logo

Pesticides ebulletin

Issued: 9 December 2025

This ebulletin contains information relating to plant protection products (PPPs) in Great Britain (GB).

Drones and aerial application guidance is changing in GB

HSE has updated its guidance on the arrangements for securing a permit to aerially apply pesticides including the use of drones.

HSE's website has been updated to better inform applicants of the procedures in place to obtain the necessary permits required by law to allow the application of PPPs by drone.

Key updates include:

  • clearer guidance on how to apply for an extrapolated trials permit and the processes and procedures involved
  • guidance on applying for an aerial application permit is also provided, indicating clearly the information required by HSE to process the application successfully
  • reference is made to the need for drone operators to seek authorisation to fly from the Civil Aviation Authority


Read the updated guidance on our website


Contact us

If you have any questions relating to this ebulletin, please contact us.

Vital statistics poster 2025

HSE recently published our annual statistics on health and safety in GB.

The vital statistics poster presents HSE's health and safety statistics for 2024/25 in an infographic style that is easy to understand.

Find out more and order your copy: Health and safety at work: Vital statistics poster 2025.

Health and Safety Executive - 2.2 Redgrave Court, Merton Road, Bootle, Merseyside L20 7HS