Inspection testing of equipment for the application of plant protection products
Field of activity No. 10 under the Trade Licensing Act.
What you need: Expertise plus a state authorisation — a concession from the trade licensing office.
- Koncesovaná živnost
- Field No. 10
- See conditions below
- 7 activity examples
A licensed (concession) trade (Annex 3 to the Trade Licensing Act) authorising the inspection testing of professional equipment – in particular sprayers – used to apply plant protection products. A concession granted in administrative proceedings is required to do business, not mere notification. The Central Institute for Supervising and Testing in Agriculture (UKZUZ) issues an opinion on the application.
Professional qualification under Annex 3 to the Trade Licensing Act (regulated by Sections 6 to 8 and 27 of Act No. 455/1991 Coll.), one of the following options:
Option a) at least secondary education with a school-leaving examination in a field focused on plant medicine, plant protection, crop production, horticulture, hop growing, viticulture, forestry, agricultural or forestry machinery, or general agriculture + 3 years of experience in the operation and adjustment of equipment for the application of products.
Option b) at least secondary education with a school-leaving examination (of any orientation) + 4 years of experience in the operation and adjustment of equipment for the application of products.
Further requirements: a concession granted in administrative proceedings; an opinion of the Central Institute for Supervising and Testing in Agriculture (UKZUZ) on the application for a concession; approval of the business premises. A clean criminal record is required (Section 6). The Act does not require medical fitness or liability insurance.
The professional qualification may also be demonstrated through a responsible representative under Section 11.
Examples of activities
- inspection testing of sprayers for field application
- testing of equipment for the application of products in orchards, vineyards and hop gardens
- verification of the functional fitness of application equipment before it is put into operation
- inspection and adjustment of nozzles and the liquid distribution system of a sprayer
- measurement of the uniformity of dosing and the transverse distribution of the spray
- issuing a document on the functional fitness of professional equipment
- testing of mobile and stationary application equipment for plant protection
What the trade is and what it is for
The trade Inspection testing of professional equipment for the application of plant protection products (under its official name Inspection testing of professional equipment for the application of products) is a licensed (concession) trade listed in Annex 3 to the Trade Licensing Act. It authorises you to professionally test the functional fitness of equipment used in practice to apply plant protection products – typically field, orchard, vineyard and hop-garden sprayers.
The aim of inspection testing is to verify that the equipment doses the product uniformly, without dripping or losses, and that it does not harm the environment or the health of the operator. Professional application equipment must be inspected at regular intervals; as the holder of the concession you carry out this inspection and issue a document on the functional fitness of the equipment. It is therefore a regulated, highly specialised activity at the interface of agriculture, mechanical engineering and plant protection.
What falls under this trade (and what does not)
The trade covers in particular:
- inspection testing and re-examination of sprayers and other application equipment,
- measurement and assessment of the uniformity of dosing, the transverse distribution of the spray and the condition of the nozzles,
- inspection of the liquid distribution system, pumps, pressure gauges and safety features of the equipment,
- issuing a document on functional fitness (a protocol) on the inspection testing carried out,
- advisory services substantively related to the content of the trade, unless another legal regulation provides otherwise.
Mind the boundaries with neighbouring trades. The actual spraying and pest control, diagnostics and advice in plant protection fall under the unqualified (free) trade "Diagnostic, testing and advisory activity in plant protection…" – not under this concession. Ordinary repairs and servicing of agricultural machinery fall under the craft trade "Repairs of other means of transport and working machines". This concession concerns exclusively the inspection testing of equipment, not its sale, repair, or the actual application of products.
Conditions for obtaining it under the law
The applicant must meet two levels of conditions.
General conditions (Section 6 of the Trade Licensing Act): full legal capacity and a clean criminal record. A clean criminal record is required for this trade. Under Section 8 there must, in addition, be no obstacle to operating the trade (e.g. a ban on activity imposed by a court).
Professional qualification (Annex 3, regulated by Sections 6 to 8 and 27 of Act No. 455/1991 Coll.). It is sufficient to meet one of the following options:
| Option | Education | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| a) | secondary education with a school-leaving examination in plant medicine, plant protection, crop production, horticulture, hop growing, viticulture, forestry, agricultural or forestry machinery, or general agriculture | 3 years in the operation and adjustment of equipment for the application of products |
| b) | secondary education with a school-leaving examination (any orientation) | 4 years in the operation and adjustment of equipment for the application of products |
Because it is a licensed (concession) trade, the licence does not come into existence by notification but only on the day the decision granting the concession becomes final. The Trade Licensing Office decides in administrative proceedings and, for the application, requests an opinion of the Central Institute for Supervising and Testing in Agriculture (UKZUZ) as the relevant body of state administration. The procedure also includes approval of the business premises.
If you do not personally meet the professional qualification, you may demonstrate it through a responsible representative under Section 11 – a natural person who meets the conditions and is responsible for the proper operation of the trade. One person may act as responsible representative for no more than four entrepreneurs.
How to notify or obtain the trade step by step
This trade cannot merely be notified – you must apply for a concession. Proceed as follows:
- Complete the Unified Registration Form (URF) and mark the application for a concession.
- Submit it at any Trade Licensing Office (municipal Trade Licensing Office), electronically via the rzp.gov.cz portal, or through Czech POINT.
- Provide documents on education, experience and a clean criminal record.
- The office will commence administrative proceedings, request an opinion of UKZUZ and approve the business premises.
- It will decide on the application generally within 30 days; the licence comes into existence when the decision granting the concession becomes final.
The general procedure, documents and completing the form are dealt with in detail in our guide How to set up a trade.
Documents and fees
- the completed URF with the application for a concession,
- an identity document,
- a document evidencing education (school-leaving certificate) and experience in the operation and adjustment of equipment,
- supporting materials relating to the business premises (for their approval),
- an administrative fee of CZK 1,000 for the first application for a concession (entry into business), CZK 500 for a further concession.
The office will verify the clean criminal record itself from the criminal records register. The Act does not require medical fitness or liability insurance for this trade.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a concession, or is notification enough?
A concession is required. The Trade Licensing Office decides on it in administrative proceedings and you may do business only after the decision becomes final, not on the day of submission.
What education do I need?
At least secondary education with a school-leaving examination. With an agriculturally or plant-medicine-oriented school-leaving examination, 3 years of experience are sufficient; with another field, 4 years of experience in the operation and adjustment of equipment.
Who issues an opinion on the application?
The Central Institute for Supervising and Testing in Agriculture (UKZUZ) issues an opinion on the application for a concession. Without its favourable statement the office will not grant the concession.
Can I perform the activity through a responsible representative?
Yes. Under Section 11 you may meet the professional qualification condition through a responsible representative. The same person may hold this function for no more than four entrepreneurs.
How long does processing take?
Generally within 30 days of submission of the application; the time limit may be extended by the time needed for the statement of the relevant authority (UKZUZ).