News Release | 18-12-2025 | 14:00
As of January 1, 2026, the NVWA will enforce all cases of spraying with a field sprayer along a field and crop edge where the edge nozzle is not used. This means an administrative fine will be imposed for the violation.
With the entry into force of the Environmental Activities Decree (Bal) on January 1, 2024, the mandatory use of the edge nozzle has been tightened. The mandatory use of the edge nozzle applies along all field and crop edges. Previously, an edge nozzle was only mandatory along surface water. Supervisors and inspectors from the water boards and the NVWA monitor and conduct compliance checks on the legislation for plant protection products.
In 2024 and 2025, the NVWA issued warnings for not using an edge nozzle along field and crop edges not bordering surface water. In 2026, an administrative fine will be imposed for the violation.
Purpose of Tightening the Use of Edge Nozzle
For a healthy living environment with good water quality and biodiversity, the use of the correct drift-reducing spraying technique is important. The edge nozzle is part of the drift-reducing spraying technique of field sprayers along the field/crop edge.
From 2026 onwards, enforcement will be applied in all cases. To determine the intervention upon detecting a violation, the NVWA follows the Specific Intervention Policy NVWA plant protection products and biocides.
More Information
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