The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has opened a public consultation on the continued approval of anticoagulant rodenticides under the GB Biocidal Products Regulation (GB BPR).
The consultation, which runs from August 12 to September 30, will play a critical role in determining whether these products remain available for professional and public use in the UK.
The review covers six active substances widely used in rodent control:
- Difethialone;
- Difenacoum;
- Bromadiolone;
- Brodifacoum;
- Flocoumafen; and
- Coumatetralyl.
These substances are classed as “candidates for substitution” because of concerns around toxicity, persistence in the environment, and risks to non-target species.
Under GB BPR, they may only continue to be authorised if HSE concludes they are essential to protect human health, animal welfare, food safety, or the environment.
HSE is carrying out a comparative assessment to examine:
- Whether safer alternatives are available, including non-chemical control methods;
- The effectiveness of those alternatives in delivering reliable rodent control;
- The economic and practical impacts of removing or restricting anticoagulants; and
- The importance of maintaining chemical diversity to reduce the risk of rodent resistance.
HSE is inviting views from all sectors where rodent control is critical, including:
- Pest management professionals;
- Public health and animal health bodies;
- Food production, storage, and retail;
- Critical infrastructure such as water, energy, and defence; and
- Wildlife and conservation organisations.
Both public and confidential submissions are being accepted, with templates provided on the HSE consultation website.
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.”
The consultation closes on September 30.
HSE will then review the evidence and publish its findings, which will inform whether current authorisations are renewed, restricted, or withdrawn.
The NPTA said it is strongly recommending that all pest professionals and stakeholders participate to ensure the realities of rodent control in the UK are fully represented.
The full consultation and response templates are available on the HSE website.
