Ministerially approved pesticide product (MAPP) numbers
A MAPP (Ministerially Approved Pesticide Product) number is a unique product registration number which HSE allocates at the first commercial authorisation of a product. It is clearly visible on the product label and along with the tradename is the main identifier for user enquiries or reporting incidents. The MAPP number remains with your product, unless there is a major change to its identity or to its formulation.
When new MAPP numbers are issued
HSE issues new MAPP numbers with revised authorisations in the following circumstances:
A new commercial product (including change in tradename)
HSE does not issue MAPP numbers to products that only hold trials permits (for research or development purposes) as these are not marketed.
A change in marketing company
HSE does not generally issue a new MAPP number when there is a change in authorisation holder alone.
If the company registration number for the marketing company does not change, you may ask HSE to consider retaining the same MAPP number.
A change in formulation
If HSE authorises a major formulation change (which requires data not previously used for that product) we allocate a new MAPP number. This is to help distinguish between the two different formulations.
To reflect divergence between Great Britain and Northern Ireland
HSE aims to issue authorisations which apply across the whole of the United Kingdom (UK). Where this is not possible, we restrict the extent of the authorisation to ‘GB only’ or ‘NI only’. When doing this HSE allocates a new MAPP number for the restricted authorisation and this becomes a new product.
If the extent of an authorisation changes from GB only or NI only to GB and NI, a new MAPP number is also allocated.
Products must only be sold and used in the regions in which they are authorised, and each label must only refer to one MAPP number.
Separate MAPP numbers for ‘GB and NI’, ‘GB only’ and ‘NI only’ may run at the same time.
When the only difference between GB and NI is the product expiry date, HSE aims to retain a single UK wide authorisation. The earlier of the GB and EU expiry dates will apply.
Expiry date divergence and MAPP splitting
When an active substance renewal or withdrawal decision is made in GB or NI only, the expiry date must reflect either the withdrawal or frozen period in that regime. However, a new MAPP (and associated label) is not applied for the duration of the withdrawal or frozen period.
In this case HSE issues amendment notices so that the MAPP number remains valid for both regimes. Separate amendment notices reflect the different product expiry dates in GB and NI. This splitting of the MAPP number allows existing labelled stock (and EAMUs) to continue to be used until the expiry date in each regime. On the GB Pesticides Register they will display as separate products, each with the same MAPP number but with different extent of authorisation and different expiry dates.
If you wish to make changes to your authorisation after this splitting of the MAPP number, you must submit separate applications for GB and NI. HSE may apply a new MAPP number with the new authorisation.
At completion of product renewal
There is no requirement to automatically issue a new MAPP number following a product renewal which applies in both GB and NI.
However, a change in MAPP number aids stock management and clarity around extensions of authorisation of minor use (EAMUs) and so a new MAPP number is routinely allocated on completion of the renewal process for professional products. If the renewed authorisation restricts the extent of authorisation, HSE will always allocate a new MAPP number.
A MAPP number for amateur products, where the labels are less likely to change, is not routinely changed at renewal, except where the extent of authorisation changes.
Authorisation holders can request that the MAPP number is or is not changed at renewal and this will be considered by the Assessment Manager.
Other reasons
There may sometimes be other reasons why either the authorisation holder or HSE considers it appropriate to allocate a new MAPP number. These can be discussed with HSE.
Withdrawing an old MAPP number
When we issue a new authorisation for a product, featuring a change in MAPP number, the previous authorisation for the old registration number will usually be withdrawn. This excludes those where the new authorisation reflects a different extent of authorisation, and the previous authorisation remains valid.
Withdrawal is usually phased, to allow the authorisation holder to continue placing stocks with the old MAPP number into the supply chain for a limited time, with an additional use-up period to allow stocks in the supply chain to pass through safely.
Withdrawal of Authorisations and Permits
MAPP numbers and Extension of Authorisation for Minor Use (EAMUs)
Where a product authorisation includes a change in MAPP number, growers cannot use the new product under the terms of any existing Extensions of Authorisation for Minor Use (EAMUs) for the old registration number.
It would be of use if authorisation holders could inform the grower or organisation responsible for an EAMU of the changed number, so that they can submit applications to amend affected EAMUs. Providing there has not been a major change to the product's formulation, these requests can be dealt with administratively.
Extension of authorisation for minor use