Farmers and growers have two years to prepare for a significant change in access to professional second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGAR) products. The announcement by the CRRU (Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use) means that all users of professional-grade rodenticides will need an approved training certificate in rodenticide use from January 2026. This change marks a significant shift away from the current situation where membership of a stewardship-approved farm assurance scheme is accepted as proof-of-competence.
The new requirements mean that farmers and growers will have to provide proof-of-competence in one of two ways to be able to purchase professional-grade rodenticides:
- Complete a CRRU-approved training certificate every five years.
- Complete a CRRU-approved training certificate once and be a member of a CRRU-approved CPD scheme.
Another important measure, announced in May 2023, was that from July 2024, none of the five SGARs available in the UK can be purchased for use in ‘open areas’ away from buildings. This change makes it more important than ever to read rodenticide product labels carefully and make sure they can be applied legally in the intended locations.
Approved training courses
A list of CRRU-approved training courses can be found at: Training & Certification – Think Wildlife. As of the 1st of January 2026, completion of one of these courses will be needed to buy professional strength rodenticides.
There are currently only two CRRU-approved CPD schemes, BASIS Prompt and BPCA Registered. As of the 1st of January 2026, unless you are a member of one of these two schemes, certification will need to be repeated every 5 years.
Read more here: Professional rodenticide users have two years to prepare for changes – Think Wildlife
