Spraying with drones (SPRAY)
The spraying of liquids with an unmanned aircraft is subject to prior authorization by FOCA. The specific requirements for submitting an authorization request depend primarily on the type of substance being sprayed and the intended use-case, such as:
- spraying of plant protection products (PPPs) and fertilizers;
- spraying of chemical substances and/or preparations;
- spraying of biocides;
- spraying of organisms;
- spraying of water.
This page provides an overview of the applicable requirements for each of these scenarios.
- Deadline: Applications must be submitted at least 2 months before the intended operation.
- Costs: Depending on time and effort (CHF 160.- per hour).
The following diagram will help you choose the right approval procedure:
Spraying of plant protection products (PPPs) and fertilizers
The use of drones in the agricultural sector mainly involves the dispersion of plant protection products (PPPs) and fertilizers. The operational authorization request is generally based on the PDRA-S01 (see PDRA webpage for more information).
Prerequisites for the disperison of PPP and fertilizers:
- The drone model used must be homologated by AGROSCOPE.
- Each drone’s spraying system (i.e., per serial number) must undergo technical testing by an inspection body approved by the Federal Office for Agriculture before being put into service and every three years thereafter.
- The UAS operator must employ at least one person holding a permit for the use of plant protection products (OPer-AH; RS 814.812.34). More information on the acceptable diplomas/permits can be found on the FOEN website (DE/FR/IT).
List of required documents:
- Additional required documents as indicated in the forms (e.g., operations manual, proof of AGROSCOPE approval and technical inspections, copy of the OPer-AH permit, qualifications of remote pilots, etc.).
Spraying of chemical substances and/or preparations
The use of chemical substances/preparations mainly relies on self-regulation by the manufacturer. As a general rule, anyone who releases a substance or preparation into the environment must ensure that it does not endanger human health or harm the environment, and this also applies to the application of chemicals by drones. Appropriate measures must be taken to ensure that both humans and the environment are not exposed to the chemicals applied.
List of required documents:
- Additional required documents as indicated in the forms (e.g., operations manual).
Spraying of biocides
The use of biocides with drones requires coordination between FOCA (for the aeronautical aspects) and other relevant offices (FOPH, FOAG, SECO and FOEN, for the biocides aspects).
List of required documents:
- Additional required documents as indicated in the forms (e.g., operations manual).
Spraying of organisms
From a substance regulation perspective, the spreading of organisms does not require any specific approval. However, from an aeronautical standpoint, the operation still requires authorization from FOCA.
List of required documents:
- A list of the organisms you intend to spread.
- Additional required documents as indicated in the forms (e.g., operations manual).
Spraying of water
From a substance regulation perspective, the spraying of water does not require any specific approval. However, from an aeronautical standpoint, the operation still requires authorization from FOCA.
List of required documents:
- Additional required documents as indicated in the form (operations manual, remote pilot qualifications, etc.).
Note: Spraying of water with C5/C6 class-marked drones
The spraying of water is not permitted under STS-01 or STS-02. Operators intending to perform water spraying flights must submit an application under a PDRA or SORA process. It is recommended to apply under PDRA-S01 or PDRA-S02, which respectively mirror the operational conditions of STS-01 and STS-02.
