Apply for or renew a certificate of competence to carry out fumigation using biocidal products or plant protection products
For each fumigation operation, the employer must appoint a person in charge. This person must hold a certificate of competence (certificate holder). An application for the certificate of competence can be made to the relevant authority.
This application can also be used to renew an existing certificate of competence.
Forms/Online Services
Responsible authority
The regional council with local jurisdiction over the company’s registered office.
Contact
Contact
Details
Prerequisite
To be granted a certificate of competence, you must:
- be at least 18 years old
- have suitable vocational training or a comparable professional qualification
- be of good character
- be physically and mentally fit
- demonstrate specific expertise related to the role and sufficient experience in fumigation
- possess the language skills required to carry out the work safely
Procedure
- Once you have applied for a certificate of competence to carry out fumigation, the relevant authority will assess your application and, if necessary, request further documentation.
- You will receive a notice of approval. As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide the date of birth of the competent person.
- The competent person must be at least 18 years old.
- You may submit the application no earlier than one month in advance.
Deadlines
Before carrying out fumigation for the first time. An application for an extension must be made in good time before the expiry date.
Required documents
The following documents are required to apply for the certificate of competence:
- Details of the applicant and the competent person (if different),
- Evidence of suitable vocational training or a comparable professional qualification,
- Certificate of good conduct for submission to a public authority under document type OB
- A medical certificate in accordance with Section 7(1) of the Ordinance on Occupational Health Care (ArbMedVV) (not more than one year old), confirming that there are no health concerns regarding the performance of the relevant fumigation work,
- Proof of specific expertise relating to the activity (through successful completion of a training course recognised by the competent authority; certificate of competence for fumigation),
- where applicable, proof of language proficiency,
- Details of the fumigation procedures and agents.
- Certificate confirming successful completion of a workplace first-aid training course
Costs
- From 350.00 EUR up to 1,500 EUR for the grant
- From 100.00 EUR to 1,000 EUR for renewal
Miscellaneous
The certificate of competence is issued for a maximum of six years. Its validity may be extended for a further six years at a time, provided that it can be demonstrated that
- the above-mentioned requirements are met and
- the holder of the certificate of competence has completed a refresher training course before the expiry of the period of validity.
The certificate of competence may be revoked if the necessary requirements are no longer met.
Legal basis
Verordnung zum Schutz vor Gefahrstoffen (Gefahrstoffverordnung – GefStoffV):
- § 15d Absatz 4 Besondere Anforderungen bei Begasungen
Anhang I (zu § 8 Absatz 8, § 11a Absatz 1 bis 6, § 12 Absatz 1 und 4, § 15 Absatz 3, § 15c Absatz 2 und 3, § 15d Absatz 1, 3, 4, 6 und 7, § 15f Absatz 2, § 15g Absatz 2) Besondere Vorschriften für bestimmte Gefahrstoffe und Tätigkeiten:
- Nummer 4.5 Befähigungsschein
Release note
machine generated, based on the German release by: Umweltministerium Baden-Württemberg, 19.05.2026