New Rodenticide Regulations: Essential Updates for Farmers and Professional Users

Are you prepared for the upcoming changes to rodenticide regulations? It’s peak season, rodents are active, and your usual control methods are suddenly off-limits. For farmers, gamekeepers, and pest control professionals, the stakes are high. 

The new rodenticide regulations come into effect in 2026 will affect how and where you operate. From new certification rules to changes in product usage, staying compliant is now more complex. 

At Collins Nets, we understand the pressures and offer reliable vermin control products and expert guidance to help you stay ahead.

Key Points

From 1 January 2026, professionals must present proof of competence to purchase and use professional-use rodenticides.

Farm Assurance Scheme Membership will no longer be valid.

We will need:

• A copy of your CRRU UK-approved training certificate.
• For any certificate older than 5 years you will need to either:
  • Register and retake the ‘Rodent Controls on Farms‘ course (or similar) to obtain a new certificate that will last 5 years.
  • Supplement your Certificate (dated pre Jan 2021) by an active membership in a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme e.g.:
    • BASIS PROMPT
    • BPCA Registered.
• A copy of the new signed CRRU UK Declaration Form (from 01.01.26)

Introducing the New Rodenticide Regulations 

The new rodenticide regulations set to take effect from 1st January 2026 marks a critical change for anyone professionally using these products. 

From that point onwards, every user will need to hold an approved training certificate before purchasing or applying rodenticides. This is not just a recommendation; it is a legal requirement, supported and tracked through platforms such as Think Wildlife. 

These rodenticide certification requirements are designed to ensure that all professional users are equipped with the knowledge and skills to apply rodenticides responsibly. But that is not where it ends. 

Certification is no longer a one-off task. All qualified individuals will also need to retrain every five years to maintain their status, as this helps reinforce best practices and keep users updated with the latest safety and regulatory information. 

Understanding what qualifies as approved training, how to access it, and when to retrain is crucial. Those who overlook or delay certification risk losing access to key products, potentially compromising their ability to manage rodent problems effectively and legally.

One major change to be aware of is that being a member of a Farm Assurance Scheme (such as Red Tractor Beef & Lamb) will no longer be accepted as proof of competence when purchasing professional-use rodenticides. This is a significant shift, as many farmers have relied on their scheme membership to access rodenticide products in the past.

Industry bodies such as the NFU have raised concerns about the short timeframe for farmers to comply and are calling for a more realistic transition period.

Implications for Rodent Control Practices 

The new rodenticide regulations will significantly impact rodent control practices, particularly concerning SGAR (second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide) usage restrictions. 

From 1 January 2026, professionals must present proof of competence to purchase and use professional-use rodenticides. Acceptable proof includes either a CRRU UK-approved training certificate obtained within the last five years, or an older certificate supplemented by active membership in a CRRU UK-approved Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme, such as BASIS PROMPT or BPCA Registered. 

There is associated fees when enrolling in to these CPD schemes. More information can be found here:

• https://basis-prompt.co.uk/fees
• https://bpca.org.uk/Fees

These requirements aim to ensure that all users are adequately trained, promoting responsible rodenticide use and minimising environmental impact. 

Additionally, SGAR usage restrictions implemented from 1 January 2025 prohibit the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides in open areas, limiting their application to in and around buildings. This measure seeks to reduce the risk to non-target wildlife, such as barn owls, which have been adversely affected by SGAR residues. 

Professionals are encouraged to adopt Integrated Pest Management strategies, emphasising non-chemical methods like habitat management and trapping. These changes necessitate a shift towards more sustainable and environmentally conscious rodent control practices. 

Steps to Achieve Compliance 

To stay compliant with the new rules, follow these essential steps: 

• Obtain Certification: Enrol in an approved training programme that meets the standards outlined by Think Wildlife. This certification will be required for both purchasing and applying rodenticides. 

• Schedule Retraining: Set reminders or calendar alerts to ensure you retrain every five years. This prevents lapses in compliance and helps you keep up with any regulation updates. 

• Implement Integrated Pest Management Strategies: Focus on preventive and non-chemical control methods. Combine sanitation, building maintenance, live-capture trapping, and only use rodenticides when absolutely necessary. This approach not only meets regulatory expectations but also improves long-term control outcomes. 

By addressing each of these areas now, you avoid rushed decisions later and protect your operation from unnecessary disruption. 

How Collins Nets Can Assist 

At Collins Nets, we are here to help you adapt confidently to the new rodenticide regulations. Our range of rodent control solutions has been carefully selected to meet compliance standards while delivering reliable results. 

Our product selection includes non-toxic, humane options like the Goodnature A24 Rat Trap Counter Kit, a self-resetting trap designed for efficient and safe use in sensitive areas. 

We also supply a variety of live-catch vermin traps, which are ideal for locations where chemical use is restricted or inappropriate. You can explore our full range on our website, including vermin traps and bait stations, all of which support an integrated pest management strategy. 

Beyond products, we offer practical advice to help you select the most effective and regulation-compliant solution for your environment. Whether you’re planning ahead or facing urgent issues, our experienced team can help you stay compliant and in control. 

We understand that change can be challenging. But with over 35 years in the business and a reputation for fast delivery and competitive prices, we are your trusted partner in pest control. 

Ready to Stay Compliant? Here’s What to Do Next 

Now is the time to check your certification status and prepare for the new rodenticide regulations. If you need to update your equipment or transition to safer, approved solutions, we can help. Collins Nets’ rodent control solutions support integrated pest management strategies and meet the latest compliance standards. 

Give us a call on 01308 485422 or reach out via our contact form for more information or shop online. As a family-run company with decades of experience, we provide fast service, competitive prices, and expert guidance you can count on.

For more detail on how these changes are being received within the farming community, see the NFU’s update on rodenticide buying changes.