The EPA classifies pesticides as restricted use pesticides (RUPs) and general use (unclassified) pesticides. RUPs have the potential to cause unreasonable adverse effects to the environment and injury to applicatiors or bystanders without added restrictions.
The "Restricted Use" classification restricts a product, or its uses, to use by a certified applicator or someone under the certified applicator's direct supervision. It is also illegal to sell of deliver any RUP to a person unless that person is a certified pesticide applicator or a certified applicator's authorized agent.
The RUP statement appears at the top of the first page of the product label.
State law may further restrict the use of pesticides to certified applicators or to persons under the direct supervision of certified applicators. In Washington, several counties in Eastern Washington restrict the use of phenoxy-hormone-type products (e.g., 2,4-D, MCPA, dicamba). Visit the WSDA's Eastern Washington - County Use Restricted Pesticide Rules page for more information.
