Template for Requests for Exceptional Use of Pesticides

To support producers phasing out Highly Hazardous Pesticides, under exceptional circumstances, exceptions can be granted for the use of active ingredients included in the Rainforest Alliance list of Prohibited pesticides. Exceptions can be granted for specific crop/pest and geographical scope (country or part of the country).  

Exceptional Use Policy  

The granted exceptions and conditions of each request for using prohibited pesticides are included in the Exceptional Use Policy linked to base requirement 4.6.2 of the Rainforest Alliance Standards. Producers do not need to get additional approval to use an exception that is already included in the Exceptional Use Policy.  

For a formal request to include an agrochemical compound in the Exceptional use Policy, producers are required to submit an official request using the Requests for Exceptional Use of Pesticides form. 

Emergency Exceptions  

In the case where there is an urgent and temporary justifiable need to use a prohibited active ingredient not covered and out of scope of the Exceptional Use Policy procedure, Certificate Holders can request an emergency exception. These exceptions are specific for each Certificate Holder, temporary, granted one time, and not extendable.  

For submitting an emergency request, Certificate Holders must fill this official form for Emergency Requests for Exceptional Use of Pesticides including details of the necessity, context, and period in which the substance is needed.  The requests will be evaluated by the technical IPM team, and a response will be sent directly to the Certificate Holder in a minimum of five business days informing the CH, if the exception was granted or not and applicable conditions.