Latest News from BPCA

18 August 2025

HSE launches consultation on anticoagulant rodenticides

CONSULTATION

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has opened a public consultation on the renewal of anticoagulant rodenticide products under the GB Biocidal Products Regulation (GB BPR).

hse hero

The consultation, which runs until 30 September 2025, will assess whether there are suitable and sufficient alternatives to anticoagulant rodenticides such as difethialone, difenacoum, bromadiolone, brodifacoum, flocoumafen and coumatetralyl.

These products are essential tools for controlling rats and mice in and around buildings, as well as in sewers.

However, because anticoagulants meet exclusion criteria under GB BPR, their continued use requires careful justification.

What the consultation covers

HSE’s comparative assessment will look at:

  • Whether alternatives to anticoagulant rodenticides have lower risks for human health, animal health and the environment
  • Whether alternatives are sufficiently effective
  • Whether alternatives present economic or practical disadvantages
  • Whether the range of available active substances is wide enough to minimise resistance in rats and mice.

To inform this work, HSE is asking for evidence and data from those working in rodent control, public health, animal health, wildlife protection, food production and storage, and critical national infrastructure.

Why it matters

If HSE concludes that alternatives are suitable and sufficient, the authorisation of anticoagulant rodenticides could be restricted or even refused.

For pest management professionals, this could significantly impact the range of tools available to manage rodents and protect public health.

BPCA response

BPCA will submit a response on behalf of members, with the aim of protecting these vital products and keeping our toolkit fit for purpose.

Rosina Robson, BPCA Chief Executive, said:

“Anticoagulant rodenticides are critical for professional rodent management, safeguarding public health and critical infrastructure.

“BPCA is committed to ensuring our members have access to the full range of safe and effective tools they need.

“We’ll be putting forward a strong evidence-based response to protect this essential part of our toolkit, and we urge members to share their expertise with us so we can speak with one powerful voice.”

How to respond

Anyone with evidence about the suitability—or unsuitability—of alternatives should contribute to the consultation. Submissions must go beyond general statements and include justification or supporting data.

Responses should be made via the HSE consultation page:
GB BPR – Anticoagulant rodenticide product renewals

The consultation closes on 30 September 2025.

We strongly encourage members to:

  • Submit their own evidence directly to HSE
  • Share a copy of their submission with BPCA so we can build the strongest possible industry response.

Please send any submissions or evidence to policy@bpca.org.uk.

Source:

Highlights View all news

29 September 2025

Latest news

BPCA to launch pest careers hub: your help needed

BPCA is preparing to launch a brand-new online hub to showcase careers in pest management – and members are being asked to get involved.

Read more

01 September 2025

Latest news

Policy Watch: New rules on wages, contracts and vehicles explained

Rosina Robson, Chief Executive of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), outlines key policy changes on the horizon that could affect pest management companies and technicians.

Read more

27 August 2025

Latest news

BPCA challenges failings in glue trap legislation 

BPCA has stepped up its campaign to fix the Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022 after new undercover footage showed retailers still selling and advising on the illegal use of glue traps. 

Read more
Latest View all news

29 September 2025

Latest news

New Codes of Best Practice for working animals in pest management published

BPCA has released two new Codes of Best Practice (CoBPs): 'Birds of Prey in Pest Management' and 'Working Dogs in Pest Management'.

Read more

29 September 2025

Latest news

BPCA wins national recognition for inclusion work

BPCA EDI Committee has been recognised at the Memcom Awards 2025, receiving a Highly Commended award for Best Inclusion Initiative.

Read more

29 September 2025

Latest news

BPCA to launch pest careers hub: your help needed

BPCA is preparing to launch a brand-new online hub to showcase careers in pest management – and members are being asked to get involved.

Read more