In this article
If your company sells or uses plant protection products, having a logistics provider who understands their particular characteristics is key to guaranteeing safety, regulatory compliance and product availability. In this guide you will find what they are, how they are classified and what you need to bear in mind for their storage.
What is a plant protection product, and what is it for?
A plant protection product (also called a phytosanitary product) is any substance or mixture intended to prevent, destroy, attract, repel or control harmful organisms in crops, or to regulate the physiological processes of plants. Its use is regulated and requires labelling, a safety data sheet (SDS) and, where applicable, specific authorisations. It should not be confused with biocides for non-agricultural use (disinfectants, urban rodenticides, etc.), which are governed by different regulatory frameworks.
Main types of plant protection products
The most common classification is by target organism and mode of action. Below is a practical summary with examples commonly found in logistics and distribution.
| Type | What they control | Examples of active substances | Logistics notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herbicides | Weeds | Glyphosate, 2,4-D, sulfonylureas | Some are flammable liquids or irritants; follow the SDS and keep ventilation. |
| Fungicides | Fungi and moulds | Copper (oxychloride), azoxystrobin, mancozeb | Humidity control; avoid extreme temperatures and cross-contamination. |
| Insecticides | Insects and larvae | Pyrethroids, spinosad, Bacillus thuringiensis | Some can be toxic by inhalation; segregation and PPE when handling. |
| Acaricides | Mites | Abamectin, hexythiazox | Airtight containers; control spills with drip trays. |
| Nematicides | Soil nematodes | Fluopyram, oxamyl | Check chemical compatibilities; keep away from food/feed. |
| Growth regulators | Plant physiology | Gibberellins, auxins, ethephon | Protection from light/temperature as per the label. |
| Molluscicides | Slugs and snails | Ferric phosphate, metaldehyde | Store dry; avoid humidity and contact with water. |
| Attractants/pheromones | Monitoring and mating disruption | Pest-specific pheromones | Temperature-sensitive; usually need cold or shade. |
Besides the type, it is worth knowing the formulation type, which directly affects handling and risk: EC (emulsifiable concentrate), SC (suspension concentrate), SL (soluble concentrate), WG (water-dispersible granules), WP (wettable powder), GR (granules), ULV (ultra-low volume), among others.
Labelling and safety: the essentials
- CLP/GHS label and SDS: check pictograms (flammable, toxic, corrosive, irritant), H and P statements, and response measures.
- Authorisation number and batch/expiry: essential for traceability and recalls.
- Compatibility: do not rely on generalisations; follow Sections 7 and 10 of the SDS for storage and incompatibilities.
- Transport: the ADR/IMDG/IATA classification may differ from the warehouse hazard; check Section 14 of the SDS.
Good practices for storing plant protection products
- Dedicated areas, segregated from food, feed and office material. Restricted access and signage.
- Adequate ventilation and temperature control as per the label (avoid frost and excessive heat).
- Secondary containment (bunds/trays) for liquid containers and decanting areas.
- Compatibility: separate oxidisers, corrosives, flammables and toxics from other families; never mix incompatible products.
- Intact, closed containers; periodic inspections and quarantine of damaged containers.
- WMS inventory with batch/expiry date and FEFO rotation (first-expire, first-out).
- Emergency kits: absorbents, neutralisers, PPE, showers/eyewash stations and clear procedures.
- Waste management (empty/contaminated containers) through an authorised waste manager.
Frequently asked questions
- Are plant protection products always dangerous?
Not necessarily, but many can be flammable, toxic or irritant. The hazard and the control measures depend on the active substance and the formulation. The label and the SDS are the reference.
- How do they differ from biocides?
Plant protection products are used in agriculture/on plants; biocides cover disinfectants, material preservatives or pest control in non-agricultural settings. The regulatory framework and authorisations differ.
- What documentation do I need to store them?
Up-to-date labels, SDS, batch and expiry records, and evidence of staff training and procedures. Your logistics provider should give you reports and stock indicators.
How can Global-TALKE help you with your plant protection products?
At Global-TALKE we have specialised facilities for storing plant protection products, with segregation by compatibility, a WMS with batch and expiry traceability, secondary containment and emergency protocols. Our team is trained in CLP/ADR and safe handling procedures to guarantee operational continuity and compliance.
If you would like to assess your plant protection portfolio and optimise its storage, we will be glad to review your case and propose a tailored operating model.
