For farmers in Ireland
Sprayer testing in Ireland: every three years, by a registered inspector
6/11/2026
A sprayer that is out of calibration puts out more or less product than the label says. That is why, in Ireland, the law asks every professional user to have the sprayer tested at regular intervals. The rule is in the European Communities (Sustainable Use of Pesticides) Regulations 2012, S.I. No. 155 of 2012.
Which machines need a test
Schedule 1 of the regulations lists two types of equipment:
- boom sprayers wider than 3 metres, tested against the EN 13790-1 standard;
- orchard and blast sprayers, tested against EN 13790-2.
Handheld and knapsack sprayers are not on that list.
How often
Regulation 9 set an interval of at least once every five years up to 1 January 2020. Since that date, the test is due at least once in every three years. A sprayer from the list may only be used if it has been inspected and certified.
Who does the test
Only a person entered in the Department's register as an inspector of pesticide application equipment can test and certify the sprayer. A test by anyone else does not count.
Between tests
The same regulation adds a day-to-day duty: you may only spray with equipment that is correctly calibrated and suited to the job. A valid test does not replace a check of nozzles and output before the season.
How not to miss the date
Keep the date of the last test where you keep your spray records, and count three years from it. If an inspector visits, the test certificate and your spray records are the two things you will be asked for first.
The European basis is Directive 2009/128/EC, which since 2020 caps the interval between tests of professional equipment at three years. Ireland applies it through S.I. No. 155 of 2012.
Read next
Official sources
- European Communities (Sustainable Use of Pesticides) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 155 of 2012)
- Directive 2009/128/EC
Checked on 6/11/2026
Professional pesticide users in Ireland: the training certificate and the register