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Last updated by Rachel Ng on 08/10/2024

Chemicals license requirements

Chemical Spraying Certification for Drone Operations in Australia


Disclaimer

This document provides general information on chemical spraying certification for drone operations in Australia. Licensing requirements may change, and applicants should verify details with their respective regulatory authorities before proceeding with any application.


Overview

To legally conduct aerial chemical spraying using drones in Australia, each state has its own regulatory body and specific requirements for the necessary licenses and certifications. 

1. New South Wales (NSW)

Regulatory Authority


Required Certifications

  1. RPA Applicator Pilot Licence

Required for any pilot applying agricultural chemicals via drone.

  • Training units:

    • AHCCHM307 Prepare and apply chemicals to control pests, weeds, and diseases.

    • AHCCHM304 Transport and store chemicals.

  • Cost: $425

  • Validity: 5 years


Application Process:

  • Must apply for or be employed under an RPA Business Licence.

  • Obtain a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) or RPA Operator Accreditation from CASA.

  • Complete the chemical accreditation training which includes AHCCHM304 and AHCCHM307

  • Apply via eConnect EPA.


  1. RPA Applicator Business Licence

Required to operate, or being employed by a person holding one.

  • Cost: $425 (5 years) or $107 (1 year)

  • Validity: 5 years

  • Eligibility requirements:

    • Hold an endorsed Air Operator’s Certificate.


Application Process:

  1. Obtain RPA Operator Certification (ReOC) from CASA.

  2. Apply via eConnect EPA.


Operation reminders:

  • unchecked

    Pesticide Discharge Restriction: Not allowed within 150 metres of a dwelling, school, factory, or public place without prior written permission from the occupier.


  • unchecked

    Exempt Areas: Roads, travelling stock reserves, and State Rail land are not considered public places under this regulation.


  • unchecked

    Landowner Responsibility: The owner of the land where pesticides will be applied must obtain written permission from the occupiers of any affected premises within 150 metres.


For more information about the licensing, check out Aerially applying pesticides, or contact info@epa.nsw.gov.au. 

2. Victoria (VIC)

Regulatory Authority


Required Certifications

  1. RPA Agricultural Aircraft Operator Licence (AAOL)

Required for individuals or businesses conducting aerial spraying services using an RPA, or in any other case operate (own, lease, borrow) RPA that carry out aerial spraying..

  • Cost: $914.45 (as at 1July 2024)

  • Validity: 3 years

  • Application Process:

    1. Obtain required training and certifications.

    2. Apply via Agriculture Victoria Connect.


  1. RPA Pilot Chemical Rating Licence (PCRL)

Required for any pilot conducting aerial chemical spraying in Victoria, or applying pest animal baits via aircraft.

  • Cost: $367.40 (as at 1July 2024)

  • Validity: 3 years


Application Process:

  1. Obtain required training and certifications.

  2. Apply for PCRL (if operating as a pilot).

  3. Comply with chemical use regulations under the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992.

For more information about the AAOL and PCRL, please check here or contact their Customer Contact Centre on 136 186.

Additional endorsement

  1. Standard Agricultural Chemical Users Permit (ACUP)

Authorize the use of agricultural chemical products that include: Schedule 7 poisons (Dangerous Poisons), atrazine, metham sodium, or ester formulations of 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, MCPA, or triclopyr.

Where a 'restricted use' chemical is used, a Standard endorsed ACUP is not required by people who are operating under the direct and immediate supervision of a Standard endorsed ACUP holder.


  • Training Requirement: ChemCERT AQF3 Course.

There are five different ACUP endorsement types, depending on the agricultural chemicals you intend to use. Including: Standard, 1080 and PAPP, Pindone concentrate, Fumigants, and Copper chromium arsenic. 

Training units for the Standard endorsement:

  • AHCCHM307 — Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases (previously AHCCHM303)

  • AHCCHM304 — Transport and store chemicals.

  • Cost: $60.40 (as at 1Jul 2023)

  • Validity: 10 years


Application Process:

  • Complete ChemCERT AQF3 Course.

  • Send certified copies of your statement of attainment to Agriculture Victoria.

  • Apply for an ACUP and pay the fee via Agriculture Victoria Connect.


Additional training or documents may be required depending on the type of endorsement applying for. For example:


ACUP with 1080 and PAPP Endorsement

Required for purchasing and using pest animal bait products containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) or PAPP (4-aminopropiophenone).

  • Training Requirement: Completion of the ChemCERT AQF3 and 1080 VIC Course.

  • Cost: No additional fee beyond standard ACUP application.

  • Validity: 10 years


Application Process:

  1. Complete ChemCERT AQF3 and 1080 VIC Course.

  2. Send certified copies of your statement of attainment to Agriculture Victoria.

  3. Apply for an ACUP with 1080 and PAPP endorsement.


For more details, please check here.

3. Queensland (QLD)

Regulatory Authority


Required Certifications

  1. Pilot Chemical Rating Licence

    • Required for any pilot conducting aerial chemical spraying.

    • Cost: Varies (1 or 3-year option available)

    • Validity: 1 or 3 years


  1. Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control Licence ACDC / Commercial Operator Licence COL

Required for businesses employing multiple pilots.

  • Training Requirement: ChemCERT AQF3 Course.


Training units include:

  • AHCCHM307 — Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases (previously AHCCHM303)

  • AHCCHM304 — Transport and store chemicals.

  • Cost: Varies

  • Validity: 10 years


Application Process:

For more details, visit: QLD Chemical Licensing Guide and Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control Act 1966.

4. Western Australia (WA)

In Western Australia, the regulation for aerial chemical spraying using RPA is managed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER).


Key Requirements for Aerial Spraying (Drones) in WA

Agricultural Chemical Permit

  • Required for anyone applying agricultural chemicals via drones.

  • Issued by DPIRD WA under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007.

  • Application must specify chemical type, intended area of use, and operational procedures.


Application process

  • Submit an application to DPIRD WA with:

    • Details of chemicals used.

    • Intended spraying areas.


  1. Register a Pest Management Business (PMB)

If you are offering pest control or pesticide application services commercially, you must register your business as a PMB under WA Health Regulations. Remember you can only employ licensed Peticide technicians!


Application process

  1. Submit Business Registration Application

    • Provide a completed application form (available on the WA Health website).

    • Include details of licensed technicians employed.

    • Submit business registration documents (ABN, liability insurance, operational procedures).

    • Pay the required registration fee.

    • Pass Compliance Review


  1. The WA Department of Health may inspect the business to verify compliance with Health (Pesticides) Regulations 2011.


  1. Receive Business Registration Certificate

    • Once approved, the Pest Management Business Registration is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.


  1. Pesticide Technician Licence (PTL)

The PTL is required by anyone who wants to apply pesticides commercially.


Eligibility and requirements

  1. Complete Approved Training

  • Successfully complete unit of credits including:

    • AHCCHM307 – Prepare and apply chemicals to control pests, weeds, and diseases.

    • AHCCHM304 – Transport and store chemicals.


  1. Submit an Application to WA Department of Health

  • Provide a completed application form (available on WA Health).

  • Include certified copies of training certificates.

  • Pay the required application fee.


  1. Pass Background & Compliance Checks

  • The WA Department of Health may conduct compliance checks to ensure applicants meet health and safety regulations.


  1. Receive Your Licence

  • Once approved, the Pesticide Technician Licence is valid for 5 years.

  • Renewal requires proof of ongoing compliance and refresher training.

For more details, visit: DPIRD WA, DWER Environmental, WA Department of Health.

South Australia (SA)

1. Required Licenses & Certifications

  1. Commercial Operator License (Pesticide Spraying)

    • Required under the Controlled Substances Act 1984 (SA) for anyone applying pesticides for commercial purposes.

    • Issued by SA Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

  2. Pesticide Applicator License

    • Required for individuals using pesticides, including those operating drone-based spraying systems.

    • Issued by SA EPA.

  3. Chemical User Accreditation

    • Allows a person to purchase Schedule 7 pesticides for use on their own property only. It does not authorize commercial pesticide application.


Criteria

Chemical User Accreditation

Pesticide Licensing

Training Duration (Avg.)

1-2 days

3-5 days

Refresher Training Required?

Every 5 years

Not required (except unusual cases)

Purchase Schedule 7 (S7) Pesticides?

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Use S7 Pesticides on Own Property?

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Employees Can Use S7s on Employer’s Property?

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Use S5 & S6 Pesticides on Own Property?

❌ Not applicable (anyone can use S5/S6 without accreditation)


Apply S7 Pesticides to Another’s Property for Fee?

❌ No

✅ Yes (unless S7 excluded on license)

Apply S5 or S6 Pesticides to Another’s Property for Fee?

❌ No

✅ Yes

Employees Can Apply S5 or S6 Pesticides for Fee?

❌ No

✅ Yes (employee must hold endorsed license)


For more information, please visit SA Health.


Step 1: Obtain a Pesticide Applicator License/ Chemical User Accreditation

  • Complete Accredited Training:

    • AHCCHM307 – Prepare and apply chemicals to control pests, weeds, and diseases.

    • AHCCHM304 – Transport and store chemicals.\

  • Submit an application to the SA EPA with:

    • Proof of training completion.

    • Identification documents.

    • Payment of the required fee.

  • Validity: Typically valid for 5 years before requiring renewal.


Step 2: Obtain a Commercial Operator License (for Businesses)

  • Required for businesses conducting pesticide spraying operations.

  • Apply through the SA EPA with:

    • Business details and proof of compliance with pesticide handling laws.

    • Insurance and risk management documentation.

    • Payment of the annual fee.


Step 3: Apply for an Agricultural Chemical User Permit (If Required)

  • Apply via Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA).

  • Required for restricted-use chemicals like herbicides or insecticides used in agriculture.

6. Northern Territory (NT)

1. Required Licenses & Certifications

  1. Commercial Pesticide Licence

    • Required under the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 2004 (NT).

  2. Pesticide Business Licence (If operating commercially)

    • Required for businesses applying pesticides for a fee.

Both application information can be found in application NT DEPWS. 

2. Steps to Obtain the Required Licenses

Step 1: Obtain a Commercial Pesticide Licence

  • Complete Approved Training:

    • AHCCHM307 – Prepare and apply chemicals to control pests, weeds, and diseases.

    • AHCCHM304 – Transport and store chemicals.

    • Training is available through ChemCERT or other accredited providers.

  • Submit an application to NT DEPWS with:

    • Proof of training completion.

    • Identification documents.

    • Payment of the required fee.

Step 2: Obtain a Pesticide Business Licence (If Operating Commercially)

  • Required for businesses providing commercial pesticide application services.

  • Apply through NT DEPWS, submitting:

    • Business registration details.

    • Proof of licensed pesticide technicians employed.

    • Insurance documentation.


For more information, please refer to the NT Department of Environmental, Parks and Water Security (DEPWS).

7. Tasmania (TAS)

Required Licenses & Certifications

To legally conduct aerial chemical spraying with drones in Tasmania, operators must obtain:

  1. Agricultural Spraying Permit

    • Required under the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1995.

    • Issued by Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tasmania).

  2. Pesticide Application Business Licence (If operating commercially)

    • Required for businesses applying pesticides for a fee.

    • Issued by NRE Tasmania.

  3. Pesticide User Licence

    • Required for individuals applying pesticides, including drone operators.

    • Issued by NRE Tasmania.

2. Steps to Obtain the Required Licenses

Step 1: Obtain a Pesticide User Licence

  • Complete Approved Training:

    • AHCCHM307 – Prepare and apply chemicals to control pests, weeds, and diseases.

    • AHCCHM304 – Transport and store chemicals.

    • Training is available through ChemCERT or other accredited providers.

  • Submit an application to NRE Tasmania with:

    • Proof of training completion.

    • Identification documents.

    • Payment of the required fee.

Step 2: Obtain an Agricultural Spraying Permit

  • Required for using agricultural chemicals for aerial spraying.

  • Apply through NRE Tasmania, providing:

    • Details of the chemicals used.

    • Intended spraying areas.

    • Proof of CASA certification (RePL or ReOC).

Step 3: Obtain a Pesticide Application Business Licence (if operating commercially)

  • Businesses applying pesticides for commercial services must register with NRE Tasmania.

  • Submit an application with:

    • Business details.

    • Proof of compliance with pesticide handling laws.

    • Insurance and risk management documentation.


For more details, please refer to the guidelines from Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE Tasmania)



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