• RUPs may only be bought and used by certified pesticide applicators, and these workers must complete required training, testing, and continuing education.

Restricted use pesticides (RUPs) are not available for purchase or use by the general public, and they have the potential to cause unreasonable adverse effects to the environment and injury to applicators or bystanders without added restrictions. The “restricted use” classification restricts a product (or its various uses) to use by a certified applicator or someone under the certified applicator’s direct supervision.

RUPs may only be bought and used by certified pesticide applicators, and these workers must complete required training, testing, and continuing education. EPA maintains an updated list of RUPs on the agency’s website, and these substances are regulated under 40 CFR 171.

Requirements under RUP regulations include:

• Commercial and private applicators of RUPS must comply with certification and recertification requirements for each pesticide category in which they wish to be certified.
• Certified applicators must be tested and recertified every five years.
• Certified applicators must be at least 18 years of age.
• Certified applicators must supervise noncertified applicators.
• Certified applicators must ensure noncertified applicators are trained and meet the minimum age requirements.