Understanding the New UK Rodenticide Legislation: What Training Providers and Professionals Must Know
The UK’s rodenticide legislation is undergoing major updates designed to strengthen environmental protection and ensure responsible use. As a national training provider, it’s vital to understand these changes and prepare learners and clients for compliance under the new CRRU UK stewardship framework.
Background: Why the Changes Are Coming
The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU UK) has been at the forefront of improving stewardship and reducing risks to wildlife. Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) are particularly under scrutiny due to their persistence in the environment and potential harm to non-target species. To maintain access to these products while improving safety, CRRU and regulatory bodies have introduced tighter certification and competency standards, effective from January 2026.
Key Changes Coming into Force in 2026
Below is a summary of the main regulatory and stewardship modifications that will reshape how professional rodenticides are used and purchased:
| Change | What’s Changing / New Requirement | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Point-of-Sale Certification | From 1 January 2026, anyone purchasing professional-use rodenticides must show evidence of competence at the point of sale. | Suppliers must verify this before selling; users must ensure their certification is acceptable and current. |
| No Farm Assurance as Sole Proof | Farm assurance scheme membership (previously accepted in some cases) will no longer suffice as proof of competence. | Users relying on this must now hold a CRRU-approved training certificate or join a CPD scheme. |
| Two Routes to Compliance | To continue buying rodenticides, users must either: • Hold a CRRU UK-approved training certificate completed within the last 5 years; or • Hold an older certificate plus active participation in a CRRU-approved CPD scheme. |
Those whose training is older than 5 years without CPD will need to retrain or join a CPD scheme. |
| Updated Training Courses | Existing training courses are being revised. For example, the “Rodent Control for Gamekeepers and Rural Environments” course has been updated in collaboration with CRRU, BASIS, NGO, and BASC. | Training providers must ensure their courses align with the new requirements and get CRRU approval, where required. |
| Restriction of SGARs in Open Areas | As of 1 January 2025, use of SGARs in open areas (not in connection with a building) is no longer permitted. | Users must ensure rodenticide use is constrained to allowed situations and follow the updated labelling and restrictions. |
| Mandatory Use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) | The revised CRRU Code mandates that IPM principles (proofing, habitat management, monitoring) take priority, with rodenticides as a last resort. | Training must emphasise non-chemical controls and documentation of IPM steps. |
| Annual CPD Requirements | To maintain eligibility under CPD, users must accumulate a certain number of CPD points, including some from rodenticide-related content. | Training providers and professional bodies need to offer CPD courses consistent with CRRU’s requirements. |
What This Means for Training Providers
As a national training providers, we play a crucial role in ensuring professional users understand and meet the new legal requirements. Here’s how to prepare:
- Review and align your curriculum with updated CRRU requirements.
- Seek CRRU approval for your training courses where applicable.
- Offer both online and in-person training options to increase accessibility.
- Develop CRRU-aligned CPD modules to support ongoing competence.
- Communicate clearly with learners about the 2026 compliance deadline.
- Provide refresher workshops and transition support in 2025.
Guidance for Professionals
Professionals using rodenticides should take immediate steps to ensure compliance ahead of the 2026 deadline:
- Check the validity of your current certification; retrain if over five years old.
- Enroll early in a CRRU-approved course or CPD scheme.
- Understand the new restrictions on SGAR use in open environments.
- Implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods and maintain detailed records.
- Plan procurement and budget for training renewals or CPD memberships.
Challenges and Considerations
The transition to the new legislative framework presents several challenges for the industry:
- High demand for retraining before the 2026 deadline may strain capacity.
- Smaller operators could face financial pressures from retraining and CPD costs.
- Users may misunderstand proof-of-sale or CPD requirements, leading to compliance risks.
- Suppliers must enforce the new point-of-sale rules consistently to avoid breaches.
Conclusion
The 2026 rodenticide legislation changes represent a major shift toward sustainable pest management and professional accountability. Training providers have a key opportunity to lead the sector through this transition—by offering clear guidance, certified courses, and practical compliance support. Act now to ensure your organisation, learners, and clients are fully prepared for the new regulatory environment.
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