NVWA intervenes in online sales of illegal garden pesticides |
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over 300 ads removed - buyers also risk fines
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has had more than 300 online ads removed in the past year in which illegal garden pesticides were offered. These were mainly products against green deposits and weeds, often without valid authorization or with incorrect labeling. Several sellers received a fine or an official warning. Buyers also risk a fine.
The Ctgb determines which products are permitted in the Netherlands. Products without a valid Dutch authorization number, or products not intended for professional use, are prohibited. Incorrect or illegal use can lead to health risks, environmental damage, and fines.
Glyphosate
Herbicides with glyphosate are regularly offered via online platforms, often originating from abroad, such as Poland. Although glyphosate is not banned in the Netherlands, there are hardly any products with glyphosate still authorized for private use, because authorizations of these products have expired or been withdrawn. Roundup is still available in many garden centers, but its composition has been adjusted: in most variants the original active substance glyphosate has been replaced by pelargonic acid, for example. For professional users, a ban on the use of chemical pesticides on paved surfaces has been in place since 2017, with a few exceptions. Exceptions to the ban apply to the control of invasive exotics, use on sports and golf courses under strict conditions, and agricultural crops such as arable farming and greenhouse horticulture. In all these cases, the product must be authorized and applied by a qualified user.
Professionals
Professionals may only work with products that are authorized for professional use. Since 2017, there has been a ban on chemical crop protection on paved surfaces — exceptions aside.
Misleading 'green' alternatives
More and more products are being sold as 'green' or 'natural', but these too can be harmful and fall under the same authorization requirements. The NVWA warns that these terms by no means always mean that a product is safe or legal.
Check before you buy
The NVWA urges consumers to always check pesticides for:
• A valid Ctgb authorization number.
• A dutch-language label.
• Indication of whether the product is suitable for professional use.
From april 22 to 29, the NVWA is running a campaign via social media under the motto: 'Know what you buy online!' A good opportunity for landscapers to critically review both their stock of products and the advice they give to customers.
this article was previously published on april 22, 2025 on the website
of de hovenier.
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