Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticide (SGAR) use in open areas and waste dumps is now illegal. HSE has amended authorisations for 41 SGAR products, used to control rats and mice, to prevent their use in open areas (away from buildings) and around waste dumps: - since 4 July 2024, SGARs can no longer be bought for use in open areas or waste dumps
- since 1 January 2025, it is illegal to use any SGARs in open areas and waste dumps
Rodenticide stewardship Professional rodenticide products are used to protect people, animals and the environment from the diseases and damage that uncontrolled rodent infestations can cause. Rodenticide Stewardship is designed to ensure that rodenticide products are used in a way that minimises the exposure of non-target wildlife to rodenticides. The Rodenticide Stewardship Regime is operated by the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU UK) and monitored by the UK Government Oversight Group (GOG). Find out more about rodenticides and the stewardship scheme. SGAR residues Independent analysis of SGAR residues measured in barn owls has found that overall, they have remained static at their 2016 levels. It also identified that the relative proportions of the most detected SGAR residues, bromadiolone and difenacoum, have decreased. The analysis also found that the relative proportion of another SGAR, brodifacoum, has increased. Authorised uses In response to this analysis, GOG and CRRU UK decided to remove authorised use in open areas from products containing bromadiolone and difenacoum. This standardisation of use patterns should remove any confusion about where different SGARs can be used and reduce the risk of exposure to wildlife from authorised uses. It has always been illegal to use brodifacoum products in open areas, and this restriction is now extended to all rodenticide products containing SGARs. Further changes Controls on who can buy professional rodenticide products have been strengthened. From 1 January 2026, professional rodenticide products will only be supplied to those who can demonstrate they either: - have completed a CRRU UK approved training course
- are a member of a CRRU UK approved CPD scheme
Act now if you need access to professional rodenticide products but do not meet the new requirements. Â
Find out more about the new training and certification requirements. | 
