PCO Registration process almost compete

The Pest Control Operation (PCO) certification process is almost complete for most timber treatment companies in South Africa.

The South African Wood Preservers Association (SAWPA) has facilitated a months’ long process for timber treaters to be certified as PCOs by the Department of Agriculture, which the law requires.

All the applications submitted before the 22 May have been approved, certificates produced, “and just need to be signed by the Registrar and sent,” observed SAWPA Executive Director Bruce Breedt.

SAWPA received and submitted 79% of its members applications. Of the 21% still needing to be submitted, five more had been received but were incomplete.

Treatment plants need to be registered and certified as PCOs because their products − CCA, creosote, and most other wood preservatives − are classified as restricted products under the new Globally Harmonised System legislative framework.

Such wood preservatives require a “restricted use agricultural remedy” label and may only be sold to registered PCOs.

“The PCO registration and many of the changes happening seem overwhelming, and in many instances they are,” said Bertus. “But we believe that when fully implemented, and correctly interpreted by the department and its officials, they will be a benefit to our industry as they will raise the bar.

“We are fully committed to doing our part.”

Source: Dolphin Bay