When is a permission needed?

The use of rat poison for the purpose of protecting dwellings or premises to which the public has access requires permission from the Public Health Agency of Sweden. The Swedish Work Environment Authority grants permission for the use of rat poison for the purpose of protecting dwellings or premises to which the public does not have access. Examples of such places are warehouses, restaurant kitchens, factories and animal housing to which the public does not have access.

Anyone who uses rat poison on a professional basis may therefore need a permit from both the Public Health Agency of Sweden and the Swedish Work Environment Authority.

Rat poison can only be used in authorisation class 1 So according to the area of use determined by the Swedish Chemicals Agency and that which is set out for each substance.

What is required in order to be permitted to handle rat poison in authorisation class 1 So?

Rat poison in authorisation class 1 So may only be used on a professional basis by those who have the specific knowledge necessary to handle it safely. The Swedish Work Environment Authority does not organise any training in the field, but the Public Health Agency of Sweden offers assessments (written tests after self-study). Persons using rat poison must be aged 18 years or older.

What training courses provide specific knowledge for handling rat poison in authorisation class 1 So?

If you have completed the Swedish Board of Agriculture’s training (1L), the Swedish Work Environment Authority considers that you have the specific knowledge required for permission to handle certain rat poisons in authorisation class 1 So. You still need to apply for permission.

If you have completed the Public Health Authority's training (1 So) or been assessed and approved by the Public Health Agency of Sweden (1 So), the Swedish Work Environment Authority considers that you have the specific knowledge required to obtain permission for handling all biocides in authorisation class 1 So. You still need to apply for permission.

What must the application contain?

The Swedish Work Environment Authority has a special form for applying for permission. If you apply by means other than the form, the following information must be included in your application:

• your name, personal identification number and contact details,
• the place that you will be protecting against vermin,
• the type of substance you are going to use, e.g. Rodenticides in authorisation class 1 So),
• evidence that you have the necessary knowledge. E.g.: evidence of formal training from the Swedish Public Health Authority or the Swedish Board of Agriculture.

Application for permission to use biocides (rat poison)