Useful links

HSE is not responsible for and cannot guarantee the accuracy of information on sites that it does not manage. A hyperlink does not mean HSE endorses the linked site.

Many of the descriptors below are taken from the relevant website.

  • UK government departments/agencies Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)
    This site provides a wealth of information for consumers and businesses, schools, advice and information centres, community organisations, local councils, business support agencies and trade associations.
  • Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)
    The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has responsibility for food, farming, environmental, fisheries, forestry and sustainability policy and the development of the rural sector in Northern Ireland. The Department assists the sustainable development of the agri-food, environmental, fishing and forestry sectors of the Northern Ireland economy, having regard for the needs of the consumers, the protection of human, animal and plant health, the welfare of animals and the conservation and enhancement of the environment.
  • The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is focused on the energy portfolio from the former Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
  • Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
    One department which brings together the interests of farmers and the countryside; the environment and the rural economy; the food we eat, the air we breathe and the water we drink.
    • Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)
      The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and also works on behalf of the Scottish Government and Welsh Government. The agency was launched on 1 October 2014 merging the former Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) with parts of the Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA) responsible for plant and bee health to create a single agency responsible for animal, plant and bee health.
    • National Bee Unit
      The National Bee Unit has been involved in the control of bee pests and diseases and training for beekeepers for over 60 years. The Unit's role is to protect the honey bee, an important pollinator of crops and wild plants from threats such as serious pests and diseases and environmental damage.
  • Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC)
    The aim of DHSC is to improve the health and well-being of people in England.
  • Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI)
    DWI is responsible for assessing the quality of drinking water in England and Wales, taking enforcement action if standards are not being met, and appropriate action when water is unfit for human consumption.
  • Environment Agency (EA)
    The leading public body for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales.
  • Food Standards Agency (FSA)
    The Food Standards Agency is an independent food safety watchdog set up by an Act of Parliament in 2000 to protect the public's health and consumer interests in relation to food.
  • Hansard
    Details of official proceedings in both Houses of Parliament, including texts of answered parliamentary questions.
  • Health and Safety Executive
    • HSE Books
      HSE Books is the name of the mail order and warehousing services for the distribution of HSC / E publications and multimedia products. HSE Books distributes both priced and free publications and also operates a number of subscription services, mainly priced, on the subject of health and safety at the workplace.
    • UK REACH
      UK REACH is a regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals.
    • GB Prior Informed Consent (GB PIC)
      Provides information in relation to the export and import of dangerous chemicals.
    • GB CLP Regulation
      This regulation covers the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures.
    • GB Plant Protection Products Regulation (GB PPPR)
      This regulation covers the placing on the market of plant protection products.
  • Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSE NI)
    • Biocides (HSE NI)
      The EU Biocidal Products Regulation (EU BPR) applies to biocidal products in Northern Ireland.
  • Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
    The Executive Agency of the Department of Health protecting and promoting public health and patient safety by ensuring that medicines, healthcare products and medical equipment meet appropriate standards of safety, quality, performance and effectiveness.
  • legislation.gov.uk
    This site gives you access to copies of UK legislation.
  • National Poisons Information Service (NPIS)
    A Department of Health and Social Care (DHCS) approved, and Public Health England (PHE) commissioned, national service that provides expert advice on all aspects of acute and chronic poisoning. More information about the NPIS and biocides.
  • Natural England
    Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas.
  • Natural Resources Wales
    This website contains information on the Welsh countryside, including publications and research and environmental issues.
  • Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)
    Scotland's environmental regulator and adviser, responsible to the Scottish Parliament through Ministers. Controlling pollution protecting and improving the environment.
  • Scottish Government
    For news and information covering government publications, reports and Executive consultations from the Scottish Government.
  • Scottish Natural Heritage
    Provides information on the conservation and enhancement of Scotland's unique and precious natural heritage - the wildlife, the habitats and the landscapes which have evolved in Scotland through the long partnership between people and nature.
  • Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD)
    The vision of the VMD is the responsible, safe and effective use of veterinary medicinal products. In working towards achieving this vision the VMD aims to protect public health, animal health, the environment and promote animal welfare by assuring the safety, quality and efficacy of veterinary medicines.
  • Welsh Government
    Official information on the Welsh Government, its members and functions.

European Union

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
The regulatory authority implementing the EU's chemicals legislation for the benefit of human health and the environment as well as for innovation and competitiveness. ECHA helps companies to comply with the legislation, advances the safe use of chemicals, provides information on chemicals and addresses chemicals of concern.

Trade associations

  • British Association for Chemical Specialities (BACS)
    UK Trade Association representing the interests of companies operating in the field of speciality and performance chemicals, particularly maintenance products for institutional, industrial and consumer use, biocides, disinfectants, water treatment chemicals and speciality surfactants
  • British Beekeepers Association (BBKA)
    The British Beekeepers Association is an educational charity set up in 1874. It is the UK's leading organisation representing beekeepers. They promote the importance of bees in the environment and provide support for beekeepers.
  • British Coatings Federation (BCF)
    Trade association for the decorative, industrial and powder coatings, printing inks and wall covering industry in the UK.
  • British Institute of Embalmers (BIE)
    The British Institute of Embalmers was founded in 1927 by a group of 15 funeral directors who recognised the need for a separate organisation for the professional embalmer.
  • British Pest Control Association (BPCA)
    UK trade association representing those organisations with a professional interest in the eradication of public health nuisance pests.
  • CEFIC The European Chemical Industry Council
    General trade association for the chemical industry in the EU.
  • Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) National Pest Advisory Panel
    CIEH is a charity whose aim is to promote environmental health in all its forms in all sections of society. It is not a local authority association, which represents the interests of local government.
  • Chemical Industries Association (CIA)
    General trade association for the chemical-producing and chemical-using industry in the UK.
  • Legionella Control Association (LCA)
    The LCA is a voluntary organisation whose membership comprises providers of services and products concerned with the control of legionella bacteria in water systems. The primary aim is to keep water systems safe and minimise the risk of cases of Legionnaires' disease caused by poorly maintained systems.
  • National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA)
    A trade association representing all those employed directly, or indirectly, within the pest control industry.
  • Property Care Association (PCA)
    The PCA is the trade association representing specialists across the UK who can be trusted to resolve problems affecting buildings.
  • Trades Union Congress (TUC)
    The TUC is the voice of Britain at work. With 66 affiliated unions representing nearly seven million working people from all walks of life, they campaign for a fair deal at work and for social justice at home and abroad.
  • UK Cleaning Products Industry Association (UKCPI)
    Represents UK producers of cleaning, hygiene and surface care products, ranging from soaps, washing powders, household disinfectants, air fresheners and polishes, to the wide range of professional cleaning and hygiene products used in industrial and institutional applications.
  • Water Management Society (WMS)
    WMS offers informed and experienced assistance in all matters relating to the responsible management of water in industry and commerce through publications, conferences and journals.
  • Wood Protection Association (WPA)
    Trade association for the wood protection industry, encompasses wood preservation with biocides, non-biocidal wood modification and protective coatings. They provide specifications for treatments and codes of practice for training in safe and effective wood preservation and operation of treatment plants.

Other useful links

In collaboration with a number of different industry sectors, CRRU UK has developed a rodenticide product stewardship regime in the UK. The regime meets a set of principles defined by the UK Government and includes, amongst other things, guidelines for safe and effective use of rodenticides, training and certification.

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Updated 2023-12-18