Key Changes (Effective 24 March 2026)
• SGAR (Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticide) products temporarily suspended for 12 months but professional use allowed under a deemed permit
• New mandatory label instructions apply
• Outdoor baiting limited and placement restricted to within 2 m of buildings No baiting outdoors for mouse control
• Mandatory 35-day evaluation period; baiting program to be assessed
• Retail pack sizes reduced
APVMA Anticoagulant Rodenticides Reconsideration Update
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) announced a reconsideration of anticoagulant rodenticides in November 2021. Their proposed decision following this review was released in December 2025, after which a 6-week consultation period commenced with product registrants, relevant state and territory authorities, and industry stakeholders.
On 10 March 2026, the APVMA certified that it is in the public interest for chemical products containing any second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) to be declared Restricted Chemical Products (RCPs). The APVMA believes that declaring SGARs as RCPs will enable tighter controls on their purchase and use, including restricting access to individuals who meet specific training and licensing requirements.
Along with this RCP declaration, the APVMA has suspended the registration of all products containing SGARs for 12 months from 24 March 2026. It should be noted that the RCP declaration has not yet been formally implemented, but it is expected to occur within the 12-month timeframe following consultation with state and territory authorities and classification of the training requirements needed to define authorised users.
During the suspension period, SGAR products may only be supplied or used in accordance with the instructions published in the APVMA Gazette No. 5, dated Tuesday 10 March 2026, or as specified in the notice issued to each product holder.
The SGARs in question are products containing the active ingredients brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum, difethialone and flocoumafen.
It is important to note that first-generation anticoagulant use, or the use of non-anticoagulant rodenticide products, is currently unaffected. It is also equally important to note that these SGAR products are not banned.
As of 24 March 2026, when the product suspensions take effect, a deemed permit will automatically be issued under section 45B of the Agvet Code allowing the use and supply of SGAR products.
The main change from this date will be additional label requirements for each product. These additional instructions must be supplied physically with each container. This label addition takes precedence over labels printed or affixed to product containers, including where there may be contradictory statements.
Definitions are also provided describing use patterns for both retail and professional applications. The important new additional instructions for professional pest management use are as follows:
• DO NOT place bait stations outdoors for control of mice.
• DO NOT use in areas accessible to non-target animals, pets or children unless secured in a tamper-resistant bait station.
• DO NOT place bait outdoors unless it is secured in a tamper-resistant and weather-resistant bait station that is secured in place.
• DO NOT place bait stations more than 2 metres from buildings.
• DO NOT apply this product directly into burrows.
• DO NOT use the product continuously for more than 35 days without an evaluation of the state of the infestation and the efficacy of the treatment.
• Hazardous to wildlife. Search for and dispose of dead rodents and slugs/snails in the infested area at each visit to reduce the risk of secondary poisoning.
• When using the product, wear disposable gloves, including during handling of bait, bait stations and rodent carcasses.
Over the next 12 months, SGAR manufacturers will work with the APVMA to relabel products. Should the APVMA determine that these label changes adequately address non-target and other risks, these suspensions may be removed.
The effect on retail or domestic use will be a reduction in available pack sizes, and outdoor use will no longer be permitted. Pack size limits are as follows:
- Pellets, soft baits and other non-wax formulations: maximum 150 g per pack
- Wax block formulations: maximum 300 g per pack
These changes do not apply to professional pest managers.
As these new requirements become effective from 24 March 2026, it is important that requirements such as placement of bait stations no more than 2 metres from a building and the 35-day evaluation requirement are addressed.
This requirement states that users may not use an SGAR product continuously for more than 35 days without evaluating the state of the infestation and the efficacy of the treatment. Procedures may need to be implemented within some companies to ensure compliance. In addition, extra job-site time may need to be allowed for searching for and disposing of dead rodents and slugs/snails.
Stock purchased from Garrards from 24/03/2026 will have the updated label requirements affixed to each bucket. Please contact your nearest branch if you have any queries.
For any stock of affected products that you have in storage or on work vehicles, that you wish to label yourself (not required if purchased prior to 24/03/2026 but some clients may choose to) please choose the relevant link below, download the updated label requirements, print them out and put them with your stock, or stick them to the container with tape or similar.
BASF (Storm) - Download Here (Label)
Bell Range of Rodenticides (Contrac and Ditrac) - Download Here (Label) + Download Here (Instructions For Use)
Liphatech Range of Rodenticides (Generation Blocks and First Strike, Maki Wrapped and Original, Resolve, Bromakil) - Download Here (Label)
Syngenta Range of Rodenticides (Talon range) - Download Here (Label) + Download Here (Instructions For Use)
Envu (Rodilon Pro) - Download Here (Label)
Please contact your nearest Garrards branch if you require any further information.
