As of 1st January 2026, professional rodenticide users such as farmers, pest controllers and gamekeepers will be required to show CRRU approved training or a CPD scheme membership in order to buy professional rodenticides.
Farm assurance schemes such as the Red Tractor assurance will no longer be accepted as proof of competence when buying professional rodenticides.
Who does the new rodenticide legislation changes affect?
Farmers, gamekeepers, pest controllers and anyone who currently relies upon professional bait for controlling rats and mice in grain stores, livestock housing, feed sheds, machinery rooms and more.
Without proof of verification upon purchase, those who previously used a farm assurance scheme to buy rat baits will no longer be able to do so.
Why are the new rodenticide laws coming in?
The changes to rodenticide legislation aim to improve safe practice and prevent the misuse of professional rat baits. Research carried put within the past decade has indicated that the misuse of rodenticides can lead to danger to wildlife through secondary exposure.
This new legislation aims to ensure that professional strength rodenticides are only available to users who demonstrate correct knowledge of application, storage and baiting techniques.
How do these changes affect farms?
Rodent control must be carried out on farms throughout the year, but particularly during winter. Contaminated feed, damaged wiring on machinery, grain spoilage and insulation damage from a rodent problem can be costly and disruptive to farming.
If a farmer uses professional rodenticides without the correct certificate after 1 January, they will breach stewardship requirements. This can affect audits, inspections, and the ongoing ability to remain compliant across other areas of farm management.
What certification do I now need to buy rodenticides?
There are two options for obtaining the mandatory certification to purchase professional-strength rodenticides.
In order to obtain the certification needed to purchase rodenticides you will need to either:
1) Provide proof of training on a CRRU UK approved course that must have been completed in the last 5 years.
2) Proof of certification to a CRRU UK approved training course more than 5 years ago and current membership of a CRRU UK approved Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme.
Our team will also require a copy of valid ID (such as a copy of drivers license or passport) before the rodenticide can be dispatched, as well as a complete CRRU form. These can be sent into sales@quillprod.com or our team will be in touch before dispatch. See more Rodenticide Information.
CRRU UK – approved CPD schemes
Training Certification Continuing Professional Development CPD and Stewardship
Basis Prompt https://basis-prompt.co.uk/
BPCA Registered https://bpca.org.uk/registered
British Pest Register https://cpd.pest-register.co.uk/login.php
