What does Royal Decree 1311/2012 regulate?
Royal Decree 1311/2012 of 14 September establishes Spain’s framework for the sustainable use of plant protection products, including risk reduction and integrated pest management. Its scope includes agricultural activities and other professional settings, with specific provisions for non-professional uses.
The BOE consolidated version reviewed for this guide incorporates amendments published up to 20 November 2025. Use that current text and its official amendment references, rather than the original 2012 wording alone.
Check the product and the operator separately
The MAPA product register is the starting point for checking authorisation in Spain and the conditions attached to the particular product. Identify the exact product and intended use; a similar trade name is not enough.
The ROPO information and consultation service concerns producers and operators. It is a different register. Articles 42 and 43 of RD 1311/2012 include independent logistics, transport and storage activities within the supplier sector. Review the actual activity and applicable registration requirements with the competent autonomous-community authority.
Article 38 does not replace ADR
Article 38 addresses transport using the farm holder’s own means, or those of the person or business requiring professional treatment. It requires measures against spills, including closed upright containers and properly secured loads, without prejudice to dangerous goods transport legislation.
Assess the actual product, quantity and transport operation under ADR 2025 and RD 97/2014. Neither agricultural use nor compliance with article 38 automatically establishes an ADR exemption.
Start with the current safety data sheet and transport classification, then check the packaging, quantities and parties’ activities. Identify any proposed exemption by its applicable provision and conditions.
Prepare the information for your Spanish operation
For an initial review, assemble the product name and authorisation details, safety data sheet, intended activity, locations, quantities and packaging. Explain who supplies, stores, carries and uses the product, and provide the relevant operator-registration information.
Keep records of product authorisation and professional competence distinct from transport documentation. If the same business performs several activities, each role needs consideration.
DGSA can discuss the dangerous goods transport aspects in English. See our advisory services or send the details of your operation. Questions about agronomic use or a product’s authorised treatment should be checked against the product register and the competent plant-health authority.
Discuss your operation in Spain
Tell us which goods, activities and transport stages are involved. We will discuss the scope of the advice or training you need.