Pest Control License
Pest control operators & technicians require a commercial pest control license under the insecticides act of 1968. This act regulates the import, manufacture, sale, transport, distribution, and use of insecticides to prevent risks to humans and animals. It mandates that no person can undertake commercial pest control operations without a license issued under this Act .
Pest control involves the management and elimination of harmful insects or other organisms that pose a threat to health, property, or the environment. In industries such as horticulture, effective pest management is crucial.
Pest management encompasses a range of strategies employed by gardeners to safeguard their plants from pests and to address infestations when they occur. This includes the use of pesticides, both chemical and organic, as well as alternative methods like integrated pest management (IPM). Given the growing demand for pest control services, there are significant opportunities for entrepreneurs to establish pest treatment businesses.
Professionals, commonly known as exterminators or pest control workers or operators or technicians, specialize in eradicating various pests such as mice, rats, cockroaches, termites, and rodents to prevent further infestations in residential and commercial settings. They employ a variety of techniques, including setting baited traps and sealing entry points. In some cases, fumigation of entire properties may be necessary, especially when advising clients on comprehensive pest management strategies. It's essential to exercise caution, particularly when using toxic chemicals in households with children or pets.
Pest treatment services often experience seasonal fluctuations. For instance, in regions like the Northeast, summer months may see an uptick in issues with yellow jackets, flies, and carpenter ants, whereas winter brings challenges with rodents seeking warmth and breeding grounds indoors.In this article, we will delve into the core principles and fundamental aspects of starting a pest control business in India.
Significance Of Pest Control Sector In India
The pest control sector in India is of significant importance in terms of expansion due to various factors. The demand for pest control services in India, particularly in densely populated urban areas, is high, leading to a growing market for controlling pests like insects and rodents.
The sector has seen substantial growth as large players expand their presence through acquisitions, indicating a thriving market with heavy demand for pest control services.
Additionally, the stringent regulations and safety standards in the commercial sector, especially for rodent control, are driving the demand for pest control services in Asia Pacific, with countries like China, India, and Japan facing challenges with rodent infestations in both urban and rural areas.
Pest Control License/Certificate
To start a pest control business in India, you need to obtain a pest control license. The key requirements are:
- Educational Qualification: You must have a B.Sc. degree in agriculture to apply for the pest control license.
- Training: After obtaining the B.Sc. degree, you must complete a 15-day training program in fumigation and prophylaxis from institutions like the Central Food Technological Research Institute, Indian Grain Storage Institute, or National Institute of Plant Health Management.
- License Application: You can apply for the pest control license either offline by visiting the Deputy Commissioner's office or online through the government website. You will need to submit various documents like applicant details, proof of registration, and payment of the license fee.
- License Validity: The pest control license is valid for 5 years and needs to be renewed before expiry. The renewal process involves paying the required fees.
- Restricted Insecticides: If you want to use restricted insecticides like Aluminum Phosphide, Methyl bromide, or Ethylene dibromide, you need to obtain special permission from the Plant Protection Adviser to the Government of India.
Eligibility Criteria For Pest Control License In India
The basic eligibility criteria for obtaining a pest control license in India are:
- Educational Qualification:
- The applicant must hold at least a graduate degree, either in Agriculture or Science with Chemistry as a subject.
- Training Requirement:
- The applicant must have completed a minimum 15-day training program from one of the following institutions: Central Food Technological Research Institute, Indian Grain Storage Institute, or National Institute of Plant Health Management.
- Age Requirement:
- The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
- Experience Requirement:
- The applicant must have at least 1 year of registered pesticide application experience.
- Other Requirements:
- The applicant must submit a medical undertaking from a qualified doctor affirming their commitment to conduct physical testing of employees.
- The applicant must provide a copy of their NSPM (National Standards for Pest Management) certificates, NSPM 12 and NSPM 22.
Procedure For Pest Control License
Online Procedure For Pest Control License:
- Documentation Preparation: Gather the necessary documents, including proof of incorporation, MOA & AOA for a company, partnership agreement for LLP or firm, GST certificate or Aadhar for proprietor, medical undertaking, bio-data of expert staff, legal representative ID, principal certificate, firm summary, authorization letter, GST registration, and photographs of the applicant and the Pest Control Operator unit.
- Application Form Submission:
- Access the Application Form: Visit the CIBRC website and download Form II, the relevant application form.
- Complete the Form: Fill out the application form diligently, ensuring all information provided is accurate and complete. Include details about your educational background, training, and contact information.
- Attach Required Documents: Scan and attach all necessary documents as outlined in the form. These documents should support your application and verify the information provided.
- Submit Online: Once the form is filled out and all documents are attached, submit the application online. This step finalizes the process for obtaining your pest control license.
- Payment of Pest Control License Fees: Pay the application fees online through internet banking or submit a demand draft for the specified amount, typically Rs 1,000 for each operational site.
- Await Application Examination and Inspection: After submitting your application and payment, authorities will examine your application for any errors. If necessary, a premises inspection may be conducted to ensure compliance with standards and regulations.
- License Granting: If your application is found to be in compliance with the laws and regulations, the authorities will grant you the Pest Control License, allowing you to legally conduct pest control operations in the specified jurisdiction.
By following these steps diligently, you can successfully obtain a Pest Control License in India through the online registration process.
Offline Procedure For Pest Control License:
To obtain a Pest Control License in India through offline procedures, you need to follow these steps:
- Visit the Deputy Commissioner’s Office: Begin by visiting the Deputy Commissioner’s office to apply for a Pesticide (Insecticide) License.
- Ensure Preparation and Permits: Make sure you have completed all necessary preparations and obtained the required permits.
- Prepare Required Documents: Have all the necessary documents ready, including proof of educational qualifications, age, and other relevant documents.
- Undergo Inspection: Experts will inspect the premises to ensure that the appropriate procedures are being followed.
- Application Submission: Fill out the application form and submit it along with the required documentation.
- Payment: Make the necessary payment for the license application, which can be done through online or draft methods.
- Review and Resubmission: If your application is denied for any reason, fill in the missing information and resubmit it.
- Processing Time: Typically, it takes around 6 to 7 months for a legitimate application to be processed.
Documents Required For Pest Control License
Based on the search results provided, the key documents required to apply for a Pest Control License in India are:
- A certificate of Completion of Training by the Indian Pest Control Association is required for applying for the pest control license.
- Applicant Details with Photo.
- Copy of appointment letter of the technical person ( in case of the employee only)
- Proof of Applicant Firm Registration (e.g. MOA, AOA, Partnership Agreement).
- PAN Card and Address Proof of the Applicant.
- Medical Undertaking from a qualified doctor.
- Bio-Data and Degree Certificates of Expert Staff.
- Legal Representative ID (e.g. Aadhaar, Driving License, Voter ID).
- Principal Certificate from the Authorized Signatory.
- Firm Summary
- Authorization Letter (e.g. Principal Certificate).
- GST Registration Certificate.
- Photographs of the Pest Control Operator Unit.
- NSPM Certificates (NSPM 12 and NSPM 22).
Pest Control License Validity, Renewal & Expiry
The key points regarding pest control license validity, renewal, and expiry in India are:
Validity: Pest control licenses in India are typically valid for a period of 5 years . The license is granted for 5 calendar years and must be renewed before the expiry date .
Renewal: Renewal of the pest control license must be done before the expiry date .
Renewal notices are typically mailed out approximately 2 months before the expiration date .
The renewal process involves submitting the renewal form, paying the renewal fee, and meeting the continuing education requirements .
The renewal fee is INR 1,000 for both rural and urban areas .
Late Renewal: If the license is not renewed before the expiry date, it will be considered delinquent. There is a late fee for late renewals, which varies based on the number of months lapsed .
The late fees are:
- 1 month lapse - INR 500
- 2 month lapse - INR 1,000
- 3 month lapse - INR 1,500
Cancellation: If the license is not renewed within 90 days after the expiry date, it will be cancelled .
A new license application would then be required.
NSPM 12 and NSPM 22 certificates
NSPM 12 pertains to the use of Methyl Bromide for fumigation, and NSPM 22 is necessary for utilizing Aluminum Phosphide in pest control. These certifications offer instructions for conducting fumigation safely and legally, showcasing a dedication to ensuring safety, excellence, and adherence to regulations.
NSPM 12 and NSPM 22 certificates are significant in commercial pest control operations. NSPM 12, issued by the Government of India Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers, focuses on the accreditation of fumigation operators for conducting fumigation operations .
On the other hand, NSPM 22, detailed by the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage, pertains to the control operations involving phosphide within the state, particularly in commercial pest control activities .
These certificates ensure that fumigation and pest control activities adhere to specific standards and guidelines set by the respective authorities, emphasizing the safe and effective management of pests in commercial settings.