Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Pesticide Distribution and Retail Business License
Who Must Apply
Any person or firm engaged in the business of distributing, selling, offering for sale, applying, storing or recommending the use of pesticides directly to the user (except wood treaters not for hire and others exempted by the Pesticide Control Board).
Authority
Virginia Pesticide Control Act
Virginia Code �� 3.1-249.27 and 3.1-249.46
Virginia Administrative Code 2 VAC 20-40-10 et seq.
Term
One year, expiring each March 31. Renewal is by application and payment of fee by March 31.
Fees
$50.00 per year
Typical Requirements of a License
- Ensure the presence of a certified applicator at the place of business, if applying pesticides or selling restricted-use* pesticides, and keep the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Pesticide Services notified as to who is the designated commercial applicator.
- Maintain records of pesticide sales and use as required by the regulations.
- Maintain required financial responsibility (insurance).
(* Restricted-use pesticides are those listed as such by the EPA. Contact the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, for a given pesticide's classification.)
Application Process
- Contact the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Pesticide Services.
- Demonstrate knowledge of pesticide laws and regulations, potential hazards of pesticides to humans and environment, and safe distribution and disposal by passing a written exam if the business sells $50,000 or more annually of nonrestricted use pesticides. A business selling restricted-use pesticides must apply for a pesticide business license and must employ a commercial pesticide applicator; however, if the person applying for a pesticide business license is already certified as a commercial applicator, she or he is exempt from the business license exam.
- Submit application and fee.
- Provide evidence of financial responsibility.