In Portugal, glyphosate remains an authorized herbicide for agricultural professionals. Buying glyphosate in Portugal requires compliance with a specific regulatory framework, which has evolved with several decrees published throughout 2026. Understanding these rules before placing an order avoids sanctions and ensures compliant use.
DGAV Registration and Authorization: The Two Keys Before Any Purchase
Before even looking for a point of sale, two documents must be verified. The first is registration in the official register maintained by the DGAV (Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária). Decree-Law No. 157/2026 of August 3, 2026, made this registration mandatory for any professional operator engaged in activities related to plants, in accordance with European Regulation 2016/2031.
The second document is the license for applying plant protection products. Until June 2026, this license was valid for ten years. Decree-Law No. 127/2026 extended this duration to fifteen years. Specifically, a certified applicator in 2020 will not need to renew their training until 2035.
This extension simplifies administrative procedures. The environmental association Zero has, however, highlighted a risk: applicators could use products for fifteen years without updating their knowledge on best practices. If you are a professional wishing to buy glyphosate in Portugal, ensure that your license is up to date and that your DGAV registration is active.
European Glyphosate Regulation: What Applies in Portugal
Portugal does not decide the fate of glyphosate alone. The authorization of the active substance falls under the European Union, and each member state subsequently authorizes the commercial products that contain it.
In November 2023, the European Commission renewed the approval of glyphosate for ten years, until December 15, 2033. This decision is based on assessments by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), which did not classify the substance as carcinogenic.
You may have read that glyphosate is banned in France for individuals. This is true for amateur use, but French farmers can still use it under certain conditions. In Portugal, sales remain legal for holders of a professional authorization. An individual without a license cannot legally purchase it.
Difference Between Approved Substance and Authorized Product
The European approval of glyphosate does not mean that all glyphosate-based herbicides are sold everywhere. Each commercial product (with its concentration, co-formulants, uses) must obtain a market authorization issued by the competent authority of the country. In Portugal, it is the DGAV that issues this authorization.
Before buying a container, check that the product has a Portuguese authorization number. A product authorized in Spain but not in Portugal cannot be legally used there, even if the active substance is the same.
Concrete Obligations for a Legal Purchase in Portugal in 2026
Here are the conditions to be met for your purchase to comply with Portuguese legislation:
- Hold a valid applicator license (now valid for fifteen years since Decree-Law No. 127/2026), issued after certified training on the use of plant protection products.
- Be registered in the official DGAV register as a professional operator, in accordance with Decree-Law No. 157/2026. This registration ensures the traceability of the activity.
- Only purchase products bearing a market authorization number issued by the DGAV. Any product imported without this authorization is outside the legal framework.
- Keep invoices and safety data sheets for the product. In case of inspection, these documents prove the compliance of the purchase and use.
Online Purchases and Risks of Non-Compliance
Websites offer glyphosate deliverable in Portugal without license verification. This type of sale circumvents the regulations. In France, investigations have shown that glyphosate banned for sale to individuals was still circulating on certain online platforms.
A purchase without authorization verification exposes you to sanctions. Inspections remain rare, but fines can be hefty. Prefer authorized distributors who systematically request proof of your license before finalizing the sale.
New Portuguese Regulations of 2026: What Changes for Buyers
Two decrees published in 2026 directly modify the conditions for purchasing and using plant protection products in Portugal.
The first, Decree-Law No. 127/2026 of June 26, 2026, extends the validity of applicator licenses from ten to fifteen years. For a buyer, this means fewer administrative renewal procedures. In return, the responsibility for staying informed about regulatory changes rests more on the farmer themselves.
The second, Decree-Law No. 157/2026 of August 3, 2026, mandates mandatory registration in the DGAV register. This register allows authorities to trace all operators handling plants and associated products. Without this registration, a professional can theoretically no longer legally carry out their activity.
Points of Caution for Cross-Border Farmers
A French or Spanish farmer operating land in Portugal must comply with Portuguese regulations, not those of their country of residence. This means obtaining an authorization recognized in Portugal and registering with the DGAV.
The reverse applies: a product purchased in Portugal cannot be brought back and used in France if that product is not authorized there. Each country retains control over the authorization of commercial products on its territory, even when the active substance is approved at the European level.
The legal framework in Portugal for purchasing glyphosate is based on three pillars: a substance authorized by the EU until 2033, a professional authorization extended to fifteen years, and mandatory registration in the DGAV. Checking these three points before placing an order remains the simplest way to avoid any unpleasant surprises during an inspection.