Rodent Management Course Update

From 1 January 2026, the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) UK is introducing stricter requirements for anyone wishing to purchase or use professional-use rodenticides in the UK. Under the updated stewardship code, sellers must now see proof of competence at the point of sale — either a CRRU-approved training certificate obtained within the past five years or a certificate older than five years plus current membership of a CRRU-recognised Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme. These changes aim to ensure rodenticides are used responsibly by trained professionals (including farmers, pest controllers and gamekeepers) and to strengthen environmental and wildlife protection by improving competence and best practice in rodent control.

Previously, proof of competence to buy and use professional-grade rodenticides could, in some cases, be demonstrated through membership of certain farm assurance or stewardship-type schemes — such as recognised farm assurance schemes — which acted as acceptable evidence of training and competence. Under the new 2026 rules, these assurance memberships will no longer be accepted on their own. Instead, from January 2026 sellers must only accept one of two specific forms of CRRU-approved proof at the point of sale.

A CRRU UK-approved training certificate obtained within the last five years, or

An older CRRU-approved certificate combined with current membership of a CRRU-recognised Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme.

This change standardises and strengthens the competency criteria for all professional users — farmers, gamekeepers and pest controllers alike — and removes less formal proofs like farm assurance as standalone evidence of competence.

There are a number of scenario's where pest controllers require certifications, please see below for some examples - please feel free to contact a member of our technical team if you're unsure.

Need a licence:

• Catching rodents with a glue trap (As of July 31st 2024, it’s against the law not to have a licence).
• Managing protected species (or disturbing their habitats), such as great-crested newts, non-native bumblebees and barn owls.
• Controlling wild birds by disturbing, taking or killing them.
• Application of MAPP registered products

If you're unsure on how these recent regulation changes may affect you/or your business, please get in touch and a member of a technical team will be happy to advise.