Yes, if your sprayer has a boom wider than 3 metres. Since 26 November 2016, the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012 have required pesticide application equipment to be tested. A boom sprayer wider than 3 metres must be tested before it is five years old and then at least every three years. A sprayer with a boom of 3 metres or less is due a re-test every six years.
That applies to golf course and amenity sprayers as much as to farm machines. The National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) is open to equipment used in the amenity, public health and industrial sectors as well as agriculture.
Growing under Scottish Quality Crops?
Crop assurance schemes can ask for more. Under Scottish Quality Crops, sprayers more than a year old with a boom wider than 3 metres must be tested every year.
What does the test cover?
- The delivery system: tanks and lids, pump, spray controls, pipework and hoses
- The application system: pressure gauges, spray lines, nozzle bodies, check valves, caps and tips, booms and suspension
- Ancillaries: rinsing and tank wash systems, recirculation systems and chemical induction systems
The test is carried out by a test centre and conducted by a trained examiner who holds a valid NPTC level 3 certificate of competence. It can be done on your own site, provided any wastewater is disposed of under the Groundwater Regulations.
Why it is worth doing well
A test is more than a certificate. Worn jets that deliver just 5% more than the recommended rate waste chemical on every load, and a sprayer that is known to be accurate is cheaper to run and easier to sell on. A valid certificate is also evidence to your members, clients and assurance scheme that your machine is properly maintained.
What does it cost?
An on-site sprayer test to NSTS standard from Cleveland Alliances is £690, plus £55 for the NSTS test certificate (November 2025 to November 2026 price list, excluding VAT).
Our Pro demount, Pro Dedicated and Pro Golf T-Spec sprayers are built NSTS compliant. To book a test, see our NSTS testing page or call us on 01361 883418.