Individual certificate for plant protection products (Certiphyto or CI-phyto)

Verified 26 March 2026 - Public Service / Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister), Ministry in charge of Agriculture

Extension of certain certiphytos and abolition of the obligation to provide strategic advice

Extension of certain certiphytos

Certain certificates for the purchase and use of plant protection products are automatically extended from their original validity for 1 to 3 years after their expiry date without any action to be taken.

This applies to professionals holding a certificate of the category “decision-maker in company not subject to authorization” (DENSA) or “decision-maker on agricultural holdings (DEA)” expiring:

  • Between April 10, 2024 and April 30, 2024, their certificate is extended by 3 times one year.
  • Between 1er may 2024 and may 1, 2025 see their certificate extended by 2 times one year.
  • Between 2 May 2025 and 1er may 2026 sees their certificate extended by one year.

Example : A DENSA or DEA certificate expiring on 11 October 2024 is valid until 10 October 2026. A DENSA or DEA certificate expiring on May 11, 2025 is valid until May 10, 2026.

Removal of the obligation to provide strategic advice

Since the August 13, 2025, the provision of strategic advice is no longer required when renewing the certificates ‘decision-maker in company not subject to approval (DENSA)’ and ‘decision-maker on agricultural holdings (DEA)’.

Possession of a individual certificate for plant protection products (Certiphyto) is compulsory for any person who, in the course of his professional activity, uses, sells, buys or advises use of plant protection products, also called plant protection products.

The individual certificate for plant protection products shall be a individual document attesting to the suitability of the holder to use, sell or buy plant protection products or to advise professionals.

This certificate aims to promote the use of alternatives, by encouraging the use of these products to be limited and by reducing the risks associated with their use.

The individual certificate is also called Certiphyto.

The products covered by the Certiphyto are plant protection products, i.e. synthetic products used in the fight against bioaggressors. This includes the following categories:

  • Herbicides (against weeds)
  • Fungicides (against cryptogamics or fungi)
  • Insecticides (against insect pests)
  • Molluscicides (fighting slugs and snails)

The catalog of plant protection products authorized for professional users and non-professional amateur gardeners can be consulted.

Individual Certiphyto certification is mandatory for:

  • all persons who use, distribute or sell plant protection products in a professional setting
  • as well as all persons exercising a consulting activity with professional users.

Example :

  • Professional managers and employees of agricultural distributors (agricultural trading companies, agricultural cooperatives)
  • Professional managers and employees in the provision of services (agricultural and forestry work companies) and consulting
  • Managers and sellers in garden centers or specialized stores (for professionals)
  • Farm managers and employees in agriculture and forestry
  • Agents of local authorities.

All professional uses of plant protection products are concerned: agricultural or non-agricultural, etc.

Professionals who buy and use chemical mediators (pheromones, kairomones) or basic substances on their own account, as employees or in the context of agricultural mutual assistance, are exempt Certiphyto individual certification.

Furthermore, the distribution and sale of plant protection products (including basic substances), as well as the provision of services and consultancy activities are professional activities subject to a company approval.

The list of basic substances can be found below:

Factsheets basic substances

Pour en savoir plus

Please note

Since 2019However, hobby gardeners can no longer buy, use or own plant protection products except products based on low-risk substances and products authorized in organic farming. These products used by an individual in the context of gardening are not concerned by the Certiphyto.

It exists 5 types of Certiphytos :

  • Advice on the use of plant protection products
  • Free sale, sale and distribution of plant protection products
  • Use of plant protection products in the category of decision-maker in company subject to approval (DESA)
  • Use of plant protection products in the category of decision-maker in company not subject to approval (DENSA)
  • Use of plant protection products in the operator category (OPE).

Certiphyto allows the use of all synthetic plant protection products in compliance with regulations.

The use of plant protection products in public spaces is restricted.

He is forbidden use or cause to be used plant protection products for the maintenance of green spaces, forests, walks and roads accessible or open to the public.

It is also forbidden use or hold plant protection products in places frequented by the public or for collective use, including private property.

Certiphyto can be obtained in 3 different ways:

  • Either the applicant has a diploma less than 5 years old to obtain the Certiphyto.
  • Either, if the applicant has a diploma older than 5 years and thinks he has the required knowledge, he can pass a test (duration: 1 hour 30 minutes) with an authorized training organization.
  • Otherwise, the applicant must follow a training (duration: 14 to 28 hours) with an authorized training organization.

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Diploma less than 5 years old

The diploma must be from under 5 years of age. The list of diplomas is different depending on the type of activity.

Advice on the use of plant protection products

The list of diplomas is different depending on the type of activity.

Diplomas and qualifications in agricultural technical education, issued by the Ministry of Agriculture

Higher agricultural technician certificate, level III diploma, in the following options :

  • Agronomy crop production;
  • Landscaping;
  • Analysis and management of operating systems;
  • Analysis, conduct and strategy of the agricultural company;
  • Development of agriculture in hot regions;
  • Engineering of agricultural equipment;
  • Water management and control;
  • Horticultural production;
  • Animal production;
  • Technico– commercial;
  • Nature management and protection;
  • Viticulture – oenology;
  • Forest management.

Certificate of specialization in the following option:

  • Completing a level III diploma listed above.

Level I diplomas and qualifications issued by the following Schools :

  • International Center for Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (Montpellier SupAgro);
  • Purpan School of Engineering;
  • Bordeaux Sciences Agro;
  • National School of Water and Environmental Engineering, Strasbourg;
  • Ecole nationale supérieure agronomique de Toulouse;
  • Ecole nationale supérieure d'agronomie et des industries alimentaires de Nancy;
  • Ecole nationale supérieure du paysage de Versailles;
  • Higher School of Agriculture of Angers;
  • Establishment resulting from the merger of the LaSalle Beauvais Polytechnic Institute and the Higher School of Engineers and Technicians for Agriculture of Rouen;
  • Institute for Higher Education and Research in Food, Animal Health, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (Vet Agro Sup);
  • Institute for Life Sciences and Industries and the Environment (AgroParisTech);
  • Higher Institute of Overseas Technology (specialty "crop protection");
  • Higher National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Food and Environment (AgroSup Dijon);
  • Higher Institute of Agriculture of Lille;
  • Higher Institute of Agriculture and Agri-Food Rhône-Alpes;
  • Graduate Institute of Agronomic, Agri-Food, Horticultural and Landscape Sciences (Agrocampus West).

State Diploma of Veterinary Doctor

Diplomas awarded by Universities

University degree in applied biology technology, option "agronomy"

National Diploma in Oenology

Professional licenses, fields

  • Agronomy;
  • Landscape design;
  • Trade, management and distribution of agricultural, horticultural or animal products or management of agricultural, horticultural or agri-food product departments;
  • Natural areas;
  • Management of organizations (horticultural and landscape companies, agricultural or agri-food companies, manager of agri-equipment companies);
  • Environmental protection;
  • Animal production;
  • Crop production;
  • Environmental protection.

State Diploma of Doctor of Pharmacy

Sales activity, sale of plant protection products

The list of diplomas concerned is as follows:

Diplomas and qualifications in agricultural technical education, issued by the Ministry of Agriculture

Certificate of agricultural professional studies, level V diploma, in the following specialty:

  • Sales advice.

Professional certificate, level IV diploma, in the following options:

  • Agroequipments, equipment management and maintenance;
  • Horticultural production workshop manager;
  • Farm manager;
  • Forestry manager;
  • Research and development technician;
  • Landscaping.

Professional Bachelor, Level IV Diploma, in the following specialties:

  • Agroequipment;
  • Farm management and management;
  • Conduct and management of the wine company;
  • Landscaping;
  • Forest;
  • Riding and managing the horse company;
  • Horticultural production;
  • Consulting and sales technician in garden products;
  • Pet shop consultant technician;
  • Management of natural environments and wildlife;
  • Bachelor of Technology, Level IV Diploma: Science and Technology of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Higher agricultural technician certificate, level III diploma, in the following options:

  • Agronomy crop production;
  • Landscaping;
  • Analysis and management of operating systems;
  • Analysis, conduct and strategy of the agricultural company;
  • Development of agriculture in hot regions;
  • Engineering of agricultural equipment;
  • Water management and control;
  • Horticultural production;
  • Animal production;
  • Technical-commercial;
  • Nature management and protection;
  • Viticulture-oenology;
  • Forest management.

Certificate of specialization in the following options:

  • Completing a level IV diploma listed above;
  • Completing a level III diploma listed above.

Certificate of agricultural and rural technical capacity, level IV title:

  • Agricultural production technician and associated services;
  • Technician gardens green spaces;
  • Forestry technician.

Title issued by the National Rural Education and Promotion Union:

  • Breeder.

Level I diplomas and qualifications issued by the following schools:

  • International Center for Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (Montpellier SupAgro);
  • Purpan School of Engineering;
  • Bordeaux Sciences Agro;
  • National School of Water and Environmental Engineering, Strasbourg;
  • Ecole nationale supérieure agronomique de Toulouse;
  • Ecole nationale supérieure d'agronomie et des industries alimentaires de Nancy;
  • Ecole nationale supérieure du paysage de Versailles;
  • Higher School of Agriculture of Angers;
  • Establishment resulting from the merger of the LaSalle Beauvais Polytechnic Institute and the Higher School of Engineers and Technicians for Agriculture of Rouen;
  • Institute for Higher Education and Research in Food, Animal Health, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (Vet Agro Sup);
  • Institute for Life Sciences and Industries and the Environment (AgroParisTech);
  • Higher Institute of Overseas Technology (specialty "crop protection");
  • Higher National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Food and Environment (AgroSup Dijon);
  • Higher Institute of Agriculture of Lille;
  • Higher Institute of Agriculture and Agri-Food Rhône-Alpes;
  • Higher Institute of Agronomic, Agri-Food, Horticultural and Landscape Sciences (Agrocampus West);
  • State diploma of veterinary doctor.
Diplomas awarded by Universities

University degree in applied biology technology, option “agronomy”

Professional licenses, areas:

  • Agronomy;
  • Landscape design;
  • Trade, management and distribution of agricultural, horticultural or animal products or management of agricultural, horticultural or agri-food product departments;
  • Natural areas;
  • Management of organizations (horticultural and landscape companies, agricultural or agri-food companies, manager of agri-equipment companies);
  • Environmental protection;
  • Animal production;
  • Crop production;
  • Environmental protection.

State Diploma of Doctor of Pharmacy

Activity of use of plant protection products in the category of decision-maker in company subject to approval (DESA) and not subject to approval (DENSA)

The list of diplomas concerned is as follows:

Diplomas and qualifications in agricultural technical education, issued by the Ministry of Agriculture

Professional certificate, level IV diploma, in the following options :

  • Agroequipments, equipment management and maintenance;
  • Horticultural production workshop manager;
  • Farm manager;
  • Forestry manager;
  • Research and development technician;
  • Landscaping.

Professional Bachelor, Level IV Diploma, in the following specialties :

  • Agroequipment;
  • Farm management and management;
  • Conduct and management of the wine company;
  • Landscaping;
  • Forest;
  • Riding and managing the horse company;
  • Horticultural production;
  • Management of natural environments and wildlife.

Bachelor of Technology, Level IV Diploma :

  • Science and technology of agronomy and life sciences.

Higher agricultural technician certificate, level III diploma, in the following options :

  • Agronomy crop production;
  • Landscaping;
  • Analysis and management of operating systems;
  • Analysis, conduct and strategy of the agricultural company;
  • Development of agriculture in hot regions;
  • Engineering of agricultural equipment;
  • Water management and control;
  • Horticultural production;
  • Animal production;
  • Technical-commercial;
  • Nature management and protection;
  • Viticulture-oenology;
  • Forest management.

Certificate of Specialization in the following options :

  • Completing a level IV diploma listed above;
  • Completing a level III diploma listed above.

Certificate of agricultural and rural technical capacity, level IV title :

  • Agricultural production technician and associated services;
  • Technician gardens green spaces;
  • Forestry technician.

Title issued by the National Rural Education and Promotion Union :

  • Breeder.

Level I diplomas and qualifications issued by the following schools :

  • International Center for Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (Montpellier SupAgro);
  • Purpan School of Engineering;
  • Bordeaux Sciences Agro;
  • National School of Water and Environmental Engineering, Strasbourg;
  • Ecole nationale supérieure agronomique de Toulouse;
  • Ecole nationale supérieure d'agronomie et des industries alimentaires de Nancy;
  • Ecole nationale supérieure du paysage de Versailles;
  • Higher School of Agriculture of Angers;
  • Establishment resulting from the merger of the LaSalle Beauvais Polytechnic Institute and the Higher School of Engineers and Technicians for Agriculture of Rouen;
  • Institute for Higher Education and Research in Food, Animal Health, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (Vet Agro Sup);
  • Institute for Life Sciences and Industries and the Environment (AgroParisTech);
  • Higher Institute of Overseas Technology (specialty "crop protection");
  • Higher National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Food and Environment (AgroSup Dijon);
  • Higher Institute of Agriculture of Lille;
  • Higher Institute of Agriculture and Agri-Food Rhône-Alpes;
  • Graduate Institute of Agronomic, Agri-Food, Horticultural and Landscape Sciences (Agrocampus West).

State Diploma of Veterinary Doctor

Diplomas awarded by Universities

University degree in applied biology technology, option "agronomy"

Professional licenses, fields :

  • Agronomy;
  • Landscape design;
  • Trade, management and distribution of agricultural, horticultural or animal products or management of agricultural, horticultural or agri-food product departments;
  • Natural areas;
  • Management of organizations (horticultural and landscape companies, agricultural or agri-food companies, manager of agri-equipment companies);
  • Environmental protection;
  • Animal production;
  • Crop production;
  • Environmental protection.

State Diploma of Doctor of Pharmacy

Activity of use of plant protection products in the operator category (OPE)

The list of diplomas concerned is as follows:

Diplomas and qualifications in agricultural technical education, issued by the Ministry of Agriculture

Certificate of agricultural professional competence, level V diploma, in the following options:

  • Maintenance of the rural area;
  • Agriculture in hot regions;
  • Agricultural production, use of materials;
  • Horticultural production;
  • Vine and wine;
  • Landscaping;
  • Forestry work.

Certificate of agricultural professional competence, level V diploma, in the following specialties:

  • Agriculture in hot regions;
  • Agricultural trades;
  • Landscaping;
  • Landscape gardener;
  • Forestry work.

Agricultural professional certificate, level V diploma, in the following options:

  • Landscaping works;
  • Driving and maintenance of agricultural machinery;
  • Livestock production work;
  • Vineyard and wine work;
  • Work on horticultural production;
  • Forestry work.

Certificate of agricultural vocational studies, level V diploma, in the following specialties:

  • Agricultural work and machinery operation;
  • Landscaping;
  • Environmental maintenance work;
  • Work on livestock farms;
  • Work in polyculture-breeding operations;
  • Horticultural work;
  • Vine and wine work;
  • Forestry work.

Professional certificate, level IV diploma, in the following options:

  • Agroequipments, equipment management and maintenance;
  • Horticultural production workshop manager;
  • Farm manager;
  • Forestry manager;
  • Research and development technician;
  • Landscaping.

Professional Bachelor, Level IV Diploma, in the following specialties:

  • Agroequipment;
  • Farm management and management;
  • Conduct and management of the wine company;
  • Landscaping;
  • Forest;
  • Riding and managing the horse company;
  • Horticultural production;
  • Management of natural environments and wildlife.

Bachelor of Technology, Level IV Diploma:

  • Science and technology in agronomy and life sciences

Higher agricultural technician certificate, level III diploma, in the following options:

  • Agronomy crop production;
  • Landscaping;
  • Analysis and management of operating systems;
  • Analysis, conduct and strategy of the agricultural company;
  • Development of agriculture in hot regions;
  • Engineering of agricultural equipment;
  • Water management and control;
  • Horticultural production;
  • Animal production;
  • Nature management and protection;
  • Viticulture-oenology;
  • Forest management.

Certificate of specialization in the following options:

  • Completing a level V diploma listed above;
  • Completing a level IV diploma listed above;
  • Completing a level III diploma listed above.

Certificate of agricultural and rural technical capacity, level IV title, issued by the National Union of Rural Family Houses for Education and Guidance:

  • Agricultural production technician and associated services;
  • Technician gardens green spaces;
  • Forestry technician.

Title issued by the National Rural Education and Promotion Union:

  • breeder

Level I diplomas and qualifications issued by the following Schools:

  • International Center for Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (Montpellier SupAgro);
  • Purpan School of Engineering;
  • Bordeaux Sciences Agro;
  • National School of Water and Environmental Engineering, Strasbourg;
  • Ecole nationale supérieure agronomique de Toulouse;
  • Ecole nationale supérieure d'agronomie et des industries alimentaires de Nancy;
  • Ecole nationale supérieure du paysage de Versailles;
  • Higher School of Agriculture of Angers;
  • Establishment resulting from the merger of the LaSalle Beauvais Polytechnic Institute and the Higher School of Engineers and Technicians for Agriculture of Rouen;
  • Institute for Higher Education and Research in Food, Animal Health, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (Vet Agro Sup);
  • Institute for Life Sciences and Industries and the Environment (AgroParisTech);
  • Higher Institute of Overseas Technology (specialty "crop protection");
  • Higher National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Food and Environment (AgroSup Dijon);
  • Higher Institute of Agriculture of Lille;
  • Higher Institute of Agriculture and Agri-Food Rhône-Alpes;
  • Graduate Institute of Agronomic, Agri-Food, Horticultural and Landscape Sciences (Agrocampus West) 

State Diploma of Veterinary Doctor

Diplomas awarded by Universities

University degree in applied biology technology, option "agronomy"

Professional licenses, fields :

  • Agronomy;
  • Landscape design;
  • Trade, management and distribution of agricultural, horticultural or animal products or management of agricultural, horticultural or agri-food product departments;
  • Natural areas;
  • Management of organizations (horticultural and landscape companies, agricultural or agri-food companies, manager of agri-equipment companies);
  • Environmental protection;
  • Animal production;
  • Crop production;
  • Environmental protection.

State Diploma of Doctor of Pharmacy

Professional titles issued by the Ministry of Labor 
  • Landscape worker;
  • Ornamental horticultural production worker;
  • Horticultural production worker.

Test

Where the diploma is more than 5 years old and the applicant believes that he or she has the requisite knowledge, he or she may take a test with an authorized training organization.

The test lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.

It is possible to inquire from the service dedicated to the training of the Draaf: titleContent from its region:

Training

It is also possible to receive training from an authorized training organization.

It lasts between 2 pm and 6 pm according to the type of Certiphyto. The training includes an assessment.

It is possible to inquire from the service of the Draaf: titleContent from its region:

The application to obtain a Certiphyto is to be made online:

Apply for a professional individual certificate for plant protection products (Certiphyto or CI-phyto)

The request is then answered within a maximum of 2 months.

It must be attached either:

  • the scanned diploma
  • the training certificate
  • the certificate of achievement.

Each Certiphyto is valid 5 years.

When the validity of the certificate expires, if the trader has the utility of the certificate again in the course of his professional activity, it must be renewed.

Conditions for renewal of the Certiphyto

Renewal should be done preferably within 12 months before the end of the validity of the Certiphyto. This avoids a gap between the end date of validity of the Certiphyto and the effective date of the renewed certificate.

The Certiphyto can be renewed in 3 different ways:

  • By way of a diploma if less than 5 years oldHowever, there is no need for testing or training to renew the Certiphyto. This diploma must be different the one recovered in the context of a previous application.
  • If the diploma is more than 5 years old and the applicant thinks he has the required knowledge, he can pass a test (duration: 1 hour 30 minutes) with an authorized training organization.
  • Otherwise, the applicant may follow a training (duration: 14 to 28 hours) with an authorized training organization.

For any information regarding the test or training, it is possible to inquire from the service of the Draaf: titleContent from its region:

Please note

For renewals of the certificates “decision-maker in company not subject to approval (DENSA)” and “decision-maker in agricultural holding (DEA), the performance of a strategic advice is no longer required at the time of renewal of the Certiphyto since August 13, 2025.

Renewal process

After completing and validating the training (or diploma or test), the application must be made online.

A response to the request is issued within a maximum of 2 months.

Apply for a professional individual certificate for plant protection products (Certiphyto or CI-phyto)

Please note

Regardless of the category of certificate requested, the date of validity of the renewed certificate shall be determined on the basis of the expiry date of the certificate of origin and the date of the favorable decision of the competent DRAAF/DAAF:

  • If the favorable decision to renew takes place while the certificate of origin is still valid, the effective date of the new certificate shall start for a period of 5 years from the day following the expiry date (D+1) of the certificate of origin
  • If the favorable renewal decision is taken when the certificate of origin is no longer valid, the effective date of the new certificate shall start for a period of 5 years from the date of the decision.

In case of non-compliance with the regulations., the holder of the Certiphyto incurs criminal and administrative sanctions.

Criminal sanctions

The use, sale, or purchase of plant protection products and advice on the use of these products without holding a Certiphyto is punishable by imprisonment of 6 months and a fine of €50,000  (natural persons) or €250,000  fine (legal persons).

An additional penalty for posting and disseminating the decision may be imposed.

Where the acts are committed in an organized gang, the penalty shall be 7 years of imprisonment and €150,000 of a fine.

Administrative penalties

Following control, the regional prefect may suspend or remove the individual certificate to the holder, if the conditions for carrying out one or more activities are not met, in all or part of these establishments holding the Certiphyto.

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