Agricultural drone spraying rules in Uruguay
What you need to spray crops with a drone in Uruguay: legal status, authorities, permits, requirements and operating limits, with links to the official sources.
Legal status
Allowed with authorisation. Drone application of crop protection products is allowed in Uruguay and counts as aerial application. It is regulated by the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP–DGSA) under Decreto 457/001, whether you spray for others or on your own land.
Who regulates it
- Agriculture: Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries – General Directorate of Agricultural Services (MGAP–DGSA) (MGAP-DGSA)
- Aviation: National Directorate of Civil Aviation and Aeronautical Infrastructure (DINACIA)
Legal basis
- Decreto 457/001: Rules on companies, equipment and use for the aerial application of crop protection products. MGAP applies it to drones.
- Resolución S/N/004 (2004), Resolución MGAP Nº 129/2008 and Nº 188/2011: Buffer zones around schools, populated centres and watercourses.
What you need
- Register the operator in DGSA's Registro Único de Operadores (RUO) with Form 134 A and Form 134 E. It is valid for 6 years, and a notary certification is needed if you spray for others. (gub.uy)
- Register the drone in the Registro de Equipos Aplicadores (REA). You receive a sticker with the registration number. (gub.uy)
- Both the pilot and the assistant must take DGSA's safe use of crop protection products course (professional applicator card). (gub.uy)
- Respect the buffer zones and record applications in the Registro de Aplicaciones de Productos Fitosanitarios (RAPF). (gub.uy)
- Follow DINACIA's drone rules and register the drone with DINACIA where required. (dinacia.gub.uy)
How to get authorised
- Register in the RUO (Forms 134 A and 134 E). (gub.uy)
- Register the drone in the REA online. (gub.uy)
- Take the DGSA safe-use course (pilot and assistant). (gub.uy)
- Register the drone with DINACIA. (dinacia.gub.uy)
- Respect the buffer zones and record each application in the RAPF. (gub.uy)
Operating limits for spraying
- Buffer zones around schools, populated centres and watercourses apply (Res. S/N/004 of 2004, MGAP Nº 129/2008 and Nº 188/2011).
Checked against official sources on 2026-09-18. Rules change: confirm with the authorities before operating. This page is a planning summary, not legal advice. The product label and the official rules always prevail.