Is Your Herbicide Approved in Germany? How to Check in 5 Minutes
In Germany a plant protection product must be authorised for the specific use you have in mind. You can check this yourself in the official BVL product database by searching the product name or its registration number (Zulassungsnummer) and reading the permitted uses and conditions.
Two levels of approval most buyers miss
Under EU rules, the active substance must be approved at EU level, and the finished product must then be authorised in each country where it is used. A product can contain a well-known active substance and still not be authorised for your crop, your land type or your country.
| Level | Who decides | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Active substance | European Union | Whether a chemical (for example, glyphosate) may be used in the EU at all |
| Plant protection product | National authority (in Germany, the BVL) | Whether this exact product may be sold and used, for which crops and under which conditions |
Approval status can change. For example, EFSA states that the EU approval of the active substance glufosinate expired on 31 July 2018. Always check the current status instead of relying on old information.
Step-by-step: checking a product
- Find the exact product name and, if shown, the registration number on the label or product page.
- Open the official BVL online database of authorised plant protection products.
- Search by product name or number.
- Check the status: authorised, expired or revoked.
- Read the permitted uses (crops, weeds, application areas) and the conditions (dose, buffer zones, protective equipment).
- Compare everything with the label that came with the product.
Red flags before you buy
- No registration number on the label or product page
- Product not found in the BVL database under that name
- Label and website claims that do not match the authorised uses
- Very broad claims such as "kills everything, use anywhere"
- Instructions that are not available in German for use in Germany
Who may sell and buy?
Berlin's plant protection authority explains that anyone selling plant protection products commercially must notify the authority and hold a valid proof of expertise (Sachkundenachweis). Sellers must also advise on safe use, and for mail order this information must reach the buyer before delivery. For some glyphosate uses on non-cropland, buyers must show a valid exemption before a dealer may sell.
Pro tip: Take a screenshot of the BVL result with the date. It is a useful record if an inspector or a customer asks later.
Watch out: This article is general information, not legal advice. If you sell or use plant protection products professionally, confirm your obligations with your local plant protection authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I check if a plant protection product is authorised in Germany?
The BVL (Bundesamt für Verbraucherschutz und Lebensmittelsicherheit) publishes an online database of authorised plant protection products.
Is a product with an approved active substance automatically legal to use?
No. The product itself must be authorised in the country and for the specific use.
Does approval stay the same forever?
No. Authorisations expire or are withdrawn, so check the current status before buying or using a product.
Want practical, compliant weed control guidance? Read more in our HerbiSolutions weed management guides.