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Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP)
In Victoria, an ACUP is required to use agricultural chemical products that:
- are 'restricted use’ chemicals
- are Schedule 7 Poisons (Dangerous Poisons)
- contain atrazine, metham sodium or ester formulations of MCPA, 2,4-D, 2,4-DB or triclopyr
- contain 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate)
- contain gaseous methyl bromide, chloropicrin or phosphine for fumigation
- contain pindone concentrate for the preparation of poison baits.
To determine if a product contains any of these chemicals please read the chemical's label and accompanying information sheet or search the APVMA Pubcris website (external link).
Individuals using any of the chemicals above must hold a valid ACUP or be under the direct supervision of an ACUP holder (unless that person is applying these chemicals under a Commercial Operator Licence, Pilot (Chemical Rating) Licence, operates under an accredited quality assurance program that is independently audited at regular intervals of less than two years, or a pest control operator (PCO) licensed by the Department of Human Services). Direct supervision is defined as being within sight and sound.
An ACUP is also required to purchase agricultural chemical products classified as ‘restricted supply’ chemicals by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), including 1080 pest animal bait products, endosulfan and mevinphos.
Important notes
- ACUP holders are required to keep specified records of all agricultural chemical products used within 48 hours of using the chemical product, and to keep these records for a minimum of two years.
- ‘Restricted use’ chemicals can only be used in strict accordance with the label.
- People under the age of 18 can be issued a conditional ACUP. A conditional ACUP does not allow the supply or use of Schedule 7 poisons.
How to apply
There are two steps to applying for an ACUP for the first time.
1. Complete the appropriate training course.
First time applicants must complete an accredited course in agricultural chemical use before applying for an ACUP. Different training is required to use different chemical products.
- ‘Restricted Use’ chemicals: To obtain a Standard ACUP (to use and purchase ‘restricted use’ chemicals), you must successfully complete a recognised training course such as a Farm Chemical User's Course (FCUC) or recognised equivalent (e.g. ChemCert, Agvet Chemical Training Course, Weed Identification and Control or SMART train).
- 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate): To obtain a 1080 endorsement for an ACUP, you must have successfully completed the VIC21835 Course Minimizing the Risks in the Use of 1080 Pest Animal Bait Products in Victoria and a FCUC or recognised equivalent. Visit DPI 1080 for more information.
- Fumigants: To obtain a Fumigants ACUP (to use products containing gaseous methyl bromide, chloropicrin or phosphine for fumigation), you must successfully complete an appropriate training course in fumigation.
- Pindone Concentrate: To obtain a Pindone Concentrate ACUP (to use pindone concentrate for the preparation of poison baits), you must successfully complete an appropriate training course in pest animal management or vermin control.
To find out what organisations offer these training courses and where they are run, contact TAFE colleges, VCAH colleges, ChemCert, Agsafe, private providers or industry organisations.
2. Apply for an ACUP with DPI by completing the ACUP application form.
Please ensure that a copy of your course certificate or statement of results is included with your application.
The ACUP application fee as at 1 July 2009 is $44.40 and the permit is valid for 10 years.
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