Restricted Materials Use Requirements

Back to Compendium Volume 3, Restricted Materials and Permitting

Restricted materials are pesticides deemed to have a higher potential to cause harm to public health, farm workers, domestic animals, honeybees, the environment, wildlife, or other crops compared to other pesticides. With certain exceptions, restricted materials may be purchased and used only by or under the supervision of a certified commercial or private applicator under a permit issued by the County Agricultural Commissioner (CAC).

Certification and licensing of commercial pesticide applicators falls to the Department of Pesticide Regulation while certification of private applicators is carried out by the CACs.

California requires permits for restricted materials so that the local CAC can assess, in advance, the potential effects of the proposed application on health and the environment. Permits are time - and site - specific, and include use practices to reduce adverse effects. The CAC may deny permits or require feasible alternatives to be used.

The Permit Process for Restricted Pesticides, PDF (166 kb) – a handout describing restricted materials permits and the appeal process.

Certification

  • Licensing and certification program – DPR's program is responsible for examining and licensing qualified applicators, aircraft pilots, pest control dealer designated agents, and agricultural pest control advisers; and for certifying pesticide applicators who use or supervise the use of restricted pesticides.

Permitting

Permit Appeals

Restricted material lists

Related links



For content questions, contact:
Sidney Bastura
3077 Fite Circle, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95827
E-mail: Sidney.Bastura@cdpr.ca.gov