12th November 2025

Reforming agricultural and veterinary chemicals licensing and fees

Victoria is proposing changes to chemical use licencing, permits and fees associated with the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992 (AVCCOU Act).

Agriculture Victoria seeks feedback from anyone who may be affected by the proposals.

Have your say by completing the survey through Engage Victoria before 2 December 2025.

The proposed changes to Agricultural Chemical User Permits (ACUPs), Commercial Operator Licenses (COLs) and the associated fees and terms, including some related to aerial spraying, aim to:

• align the framework with the national harmonisation agreement endorsed by all state and territory Agricultural Ministers
• make sure that all users of higher risk chemicals are appropriately trained and chemical use risks are managed
• update licensing and fee amounts to reflect cost modernisation and to continue to provide licensing and permit services for licensees and applicants.

The Australian Agriculture Ministers’ Forum (now known as the Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting) agreed to national harmonisation reforms regarding the use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals. These reforms include minimum training and licensing requirements for fee-for-service users of agricultural chemicals and criteria for licensing exemptions.

The proposed changes Agriculture Victoria is seeking feedback on, are designed to align with the reforms.

You can read more about the details of the proposed changes, and have your say on the Engage Victoria website.

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