Experimental Pesticides Use Permit - Terrestrial Sites

What is the purpose of this permit?
A Washington State Experimental Use Permit (WSEUP) is required for all experiments involving pesticides that are not registered and for all experiments involving uses not allowed by the pesticide label. WSEUPs may be issued to persons licensed to conduct certain types of test. This permit allows such experiments on terrestrial sites under 10 acres per crop or site for small-scale test or more than 10 acres per crop or site under federal EUP.
Who issues this permit?
Washington State Department of Agriculture
What activities require this permit?
This permit is required for all experimental projects involving the application of pesticides on terrestrial sites that are not registered and for all experiments involving uses not allowed by the pesticide label.
How much will this permit cost?
There is no fee for this permit.
Where can I get the application for this permit?
The application is called 'Washington State Experimental Use Permit (WSEUP)' is online and can be accessed at https://agr.wa.gov/services/licenses-permits-and-certificates/summary-descriptions/wseup-collective.
Do I need to include anything with my application?
WSDA requires submission of a WSEUP application and written research plan (includes purpose of the testm, total amount of pesticide, and test methods).

Location (map) of experimental use site.

Confidential Statement of Formula is required for WSEUP's involving the application of an unregistered pesticide to a food or feed crop/site.

Information/data to address potential risk to human health, environment or endangered species, and proposed mitigation measures.

EPA approved letter, label and EUP Program (Section G) when a federal EUP is required.

Except as provided in RCW 17.21.203, a Demonstration and Research license is required to use or supervise the use of any experimental or restricted use pesticide when applied on small plots for research.
Is the decision on my permit dependent on anything besides the information in my application?
Application may be reviewed with other agencies or WSDA's Natural Resource Assessment Section (NRAS) prior to issuing a decision. When appropriate, additional information may be requested.
How long will it take to review my application?
Your permit application will be reviewed once all the information has been provided. WSDA takes action on complete applications for terrestrial experimental use permits within 31 days.
Where do I submit my application?
Washington State Department of Agriculture Pesticide Management 1111 Washington Street SE PO Box 42560 Olympia, WA 98504-2560 or pestreg@agr.wa.gov
How long is my permit valid?
The permit is valid from the date of the department's approval through the stated expiration date, generally one year or less.
What is the appeal process for the permit?
Upon notice by the Department to deny or revoke a permit, a person may request a hearing under Chapter 34.05 RCW, the Administrative Procedures Act.
Legal Authority:
Permit Timeliness Results

Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2020-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.

All permits submitted for reporting were entered into this Regulatory Handbook. Here are the results of the performance data:

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)
Average number of days from Receipt to Complete: 17.6
Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: 47

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)
Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 10.8
Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 69

(Summary results based on 17 submittals in 2023)

Where can I get permitting assistance?
Web page URL: https://agr.wa.gov/services/licenses-permits-and-certificates/summary-descriptions/wseup-collective
Helpdesk phone: (360) 902-2030
Subject matter expert phone: Brent Perry (509) 995-2876
Subject matter expert email: bperry@agr.wa.gov
Contact:
Washington State Department of Agriculture
Pesticide Management
1111 Washington Street SE
PO Box 42560
Olympia, WA 98504-2560
Telephone: (360) 902-2049
Email: pestreg@agr.wa.gov
Website: http://agr.wa.gov/
* Permit information last updated 8/14/2023
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