LEGISLATION

The Draft United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020 (Exclusions from Market Access Principles: Glue Traps) Regulations 2025 cleared an important hurdle yesterday (7 January), after the Third Delegated Legislation Committee appeared to unanimously support the motion. 

Pending final approval in the Commons, the outcome effectively clears the way for Scotland to implement its own ban on the sale of rodent glue traps, without being constrained by UK internal market rules. 

BPCA Chief Executive, Rosina Robson, said:  

“This marks another positive step following years of lobbying on animal welfare and glue trap misuse by untrained users, but there is still work to do”. 

During the debate 

Dr Neil Hudson, Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, spoke in favour of the motion and raised several questions with the government. 

These included whether England would introduce its own sales ban, whether Northern Ireland would be encouraged to follow suit, and whether any assessment had been made of alternative rodent control methods should glue traps become unavailable.  

The government confirmed it has no current plans for an England-wide ban, declined to support a ban in Northern Ireland, and did not respond to questions on alternatives. 

Rosina commented: 

“We will continue to push government to ban the sale of glue traps in England and Wales to amateur, untrained users. 

“The loopholes in the Glue Trap (Offences) Act and the lack of public awareness of the law changes mean that the general public can still legally purchase these traps, despite it being illegal to use them.  

“This is terrible for animal welfare, particularly non-target species. 

Rosina continued:  

“Only trained pest professionals should have access to these tools, and they should be strictly reserved for critical public health concerns where time is of the essence”.  

BPCA concerns for professional use mentioned in parliament  

Dr Hudson also pressed the government on engagement with the pest control sector, referencing concerns raised by BPCA about the licensing regime and enforcement of the existing ban in England.  

He further questioned why there is no requirement for wildlife crime officers to familiarise themselves with enforcement guidance on glue traps – something that BPCA has repeatedly called out.  

The government did not respond to either point. 

Slow progress 

BPCA welcomes the clear support shown for the regulations, while noting the lack of answers on enforcement, professional access and consultation. 

The Association will continue to work with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and policymakers across the UK to ensure glue trap legislation protects animal welfare, supports public health, and reflects the realities faced by professional pest controllers.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email policy@bpca.org.uk