Illegal plant protection product traffickers unmasked

In response to a report on the possible use and distribution of unregistered plant protection products, the State Service for Plant Protection carried out unscheduled inspections in various cities across Lithuania. 

During the inspections, outlets authorised to distribute plant protection products were selling unregistered plant protection products in Lithuania, as well as expired and non-compliant fertiliser products. Samples of plant parts were taken to determine whether the farms were using appropriate plant protection products.

Only plant protection products registered in the Republic of Lithuania, in their original packaging and labelled in Lithuanian may be distributed, stored and used in Lithuania. Plant protection products repackaged in smaller packages with added (printed) information and without approved instructions for use may not be distributed. Fertiliser products placed on the market must also be properly labelled, packaged and stored under appropriate conditions.

The Plant Protection Service warns again that only products registered in Lithuania may be distributed, stored, used or imported in Lithuania, and that non-compliance with the requirements may result in administrative liability.

People are liable to fines ranging from €2,100 to €2,500 for distributing plant protection products not registered in Lithuania. Managers of legal entities or other responsible persons of companies are liable to fines of between €2,300 and €2,700. Persons using illegal plant protection products are liable to fines of between €900 and €1,300, and managers or other responsible persons of legal persons between €1,100 and €1,500.

In case of non-compliance with the requirements laid down in the legislation on fertiliser products, the fines provided for in the Law on Fertiliser Products of the Republic of Lithuania are imposed.