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).

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.

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