Sprayer testing rules and dates have been updated for 2026. From this year onwards, you will need to test your sprayer once it reaches three years old.

After this, you will need to test the sprayer every three years.

It should be noted that you need to test sprayers, but also weed wipers, fogging equipment, granular applicators (for slug pellets, for example) and seed treatment equipment.

ADVERTISEMENT

A list of dates for testing in included in Table 1.

A list of required equipment and testing requirements is available in Table 2.

If your sprayer was tested in 2022 then it should already be retested. If it was last tested in 2023, then your sprayer needs to be tested this year.

If you buy a new sprayer this year, then you need to test it in 2029. Previously, new sprayers were tested after five years, but now that interval is three years.

You must make sure that your sprayer is tested by an approved tester. A list of approved equipment inspectors is available on the Pesticide Control Service’s website.

You should also check with the inspector before booking the appointment. You will need to receive a tested sprayer sticker as well and display this on the machine.

All sprayers need to be tested no matter how many times they are used in the year.

Crop Protection Magazine is free with the Irish Farmers Journal on Thursday 9 April and is a must for all tillage farmers to keep up to date and have on hand for deciding on product rates and filling out crop records.