Drone technology is developing quickly, and while it holds promise for Canadian agriculture, its use for applying pesticides on field crops remains restricted. Health Canada has outlined clear guidelines for when and how drones can legally be used — and right now, drone spraying is not authorized for field crops unless explicitly stated on the product label.
Drone Spraying Not Yet Permitted for Field Crops
Even though drones are considered aircraft under Transport Canada regulations, Health Canada treats them as a separate tool from helicopters or fixed-wing planes. That’s because drones operate differently — they carry lighter loads, have shorter flight durations, and access difficult terrain. These differences require a separate safety and effectiveness review.
Unless a pesticide has gone through this specific review and has drone use approved, it cannot be applied using a drone, even if it is already registered for aerial use by traditional aircraft.
Off-Label Drone Use is Illegal
If a pesticide label doesn’t clearly mention “Remotely Piloted Aircraft System” (RPAS) or drone application, using a drone to spray it is considered off-label use. This is against the law under the Pest Control Products Act and can lead to penalties.
Beyond legal consequences, off-label use can:
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Jeopardize your access to domestic and international markets
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Lead to crop rejections due to unexpected residue levels
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Result in ineffective pest control, as the product hasn’t been tested using drones
Legal Drone Use Requires Label Approval and Certification
To legally apply pesticides by drone in Canada, you must ensure:
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The pesticide label specifically allows drone application (look for “RPAS” wording)
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The drone operator is certified by Transport Canada
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All federal aviation rules (Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations) are followed
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Any additional provincial or territorial requirements for drone-based pesticide use are met
Keep Crops Market-Ready: Follow Best Practices
Farmers are urged to stay compliant with label requirements to protect crop quality and market access. Industry programs like Keep it Clean recommend the following:
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Use only pesticides approved for your crop and method of application
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Read and follow every detail on the label — this is a legal requirement
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Apply products exactly as declared, ensuring residue levels meet buyer and export standards
The Bottom Line
Despite the increasing availability of spray drones, their use for pesticide application on field crops is not currently permitted in Canada unless specified on the label. Always check the latest approved product label using Health Canada’s online tools before considering drone use.
Using drones without proper authorization may be tempting — but it risks your crops, your market access, and your compliance with Canadian law.
👉 Download the full PDF guidance from Health Canada (322 KB).
