NPTA Interview with CRRU

NPTA CEO Kevin Lawrenson – Interviewed CRRU’s Chairman Nigel Cheeseright to discuss all things CRRU that will impact pest controllers from 2026

 

The Big Picture

Can you explain what the main rodenticide rule changes are that will come into effect from January 2026?

Why are these changes being introduced now, and what are the key objectives?

Let me take the second question first if you don’t mind.

CRRU UK is the organisation responsible for making sure that rodenticides are used responsibly in the UK to minimise the risk that these products pose. One of the points our performance is measured against are the residue levels of anticoagulant found in nature, and for this the Barn Owl is used as the sentinel species.

The changes that we announced at the end of 2023 were designed to help reduce these residue levels.

• We announced the end to open area use of anticoagulants

and

• That from 1st Jan 2026 there would be a new / common training requirement across all professional users (PCOs, Gamekeepers, Farmers)

 

Industry Impact

What will pest controllers need to do differently remain compliant in 2026? And What will happen if pest controllers don’t comply with the new requirements?

Pest controllers need to make sure that they have training which is current.

• Have received and passed a CRRU approved training course in the past 5 years.

OR

• Have proof of certification to a CRRU UK approved training course more than 5 years ago and current membership of a CRRU UK approved CPD scheme.

If professional pest controllers don’t do this they will NOT be able to purchase professional rodenticides from 1st Jan 2026.

 

Certification and Training

Why is certification and CPD membership so central to the new requirements?

Having a competent workforce is one of the fundamental pillars of Stewardship. The standardisation of our training requirement is a further strengthening of the Stewardship programme. This is complemented by ongoing CPD which we would certainly see as a best practice.

• For those already in BASIS PROMPT, British Pest Register or the BPCA registered CRRU-approved CPD schemes, what should they be doing now to prepare?

If you have previously completed a CRRU approved rodenticide course and are members of one of the CPD schemes you have mentioned, you just need to complete the number of CPD points your scheme requires, which must include at least 3 points of rodent content.

 

Addressing Scepticism

Some may feel this won’t affect them or that it’s “just another rule.” What would you say to them?

Our role is to coordinate the product stewardship programme for anticoagulant rodenticides and the measures we take allow continued use of anticoagulants in the UK.

One of our major goals is to achieve the targets the Government Oversight Group set for us at the start of Stewardship. We will continue to implement strengthening measures to Stewardship to ensure this happens.

These latest measures impact all professional users and if you don’t comply, you will not be able to buy professional anticoagulant products from 1st Jan 2026.

 

Long-Term Vision

How will these changes make a difference long term?

These changes will raise the bar and standardise training requirements across the professional rodenticide user base.

These measures, coupled with other measures taken in 2024, will support our mission to reduce anticoagulant residues in wildlife (as measured in the Barn Owl)

 

PestTech 2025

CRRU will be delivering two talks at PestTech this year, as part of NPTA’s commitment to give you the best platform to get this message across. Why should pest controllers make sure they attend these sessions? What will they gain from being there in person

CRRU UK is again participating fully in Pest Tech 2025. We have a stand and are presenting during the day.

I would encourage users to come along and engage with us at these sessions, to let us know what they are experiencing in the field and to help us answer some of the queries they might have about the changes, or anything else that is on their mind.

We are also taking part in a Knowledge Trail exercise for which CPD points can be earned.

 

Final Thoughts

What’s the single most important step pest controllers should take before the end of 2025?

Check your training for rodenticide use and take urgent action if you need training!