Glue traps prohibition under UK Internal Market Act 2020 exclusions: implications for health and safety law and business duties

Glue traps prohibition under UK Internal Market Act 2020 exclusions: implications for health and safety law and business duties

What has changed

The United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020 (Exclusions from Market Access Principles: Glue Traps) Regulations 2026 insert a new exclusion in Schedule 1. The effect is that the market access principles will not apply to legislation prohibiting the sale of glue traps anywhere in the United Kingdom. In practical terms this provides a nationwide prohibition on selling glue traps across all sectors and channels.

Why this matters

The change reinforces UK policy expectations around animal welfare and consumer protection as part of the broader framework for regulatory compliance under UK health and safety law. For businesses, it means that any current or planned sale of glue traps must stop, and that supply chains, procurement and product portfolios may need to be adjusted. The update reduces regulatory ambiguity for enforcement authorities by making the prohibition explicit in law.

Who is affected

Retailers, manufacturers, importers and distributors of glue traps, pest control service providers and any business that supplies glue traps to third parties should assume the prohibition applies across the UK. Organisations with multi‑channel sales or international partnerships should review all routes to market to ensure glue traps are not offered anywhere under their control.

Key duties for employers and duty holders

• Cease sale of glue traps across all sales channels
• Remove glue trap products from inventory and customer catalogues
• Review and update procurement contracts and supplier panels to exclude glue traps
• Audit distributors and retailers in the supply chain to confirm compliance
• Update health and safety and welfare policies to reflect the change and communicate with workers
• Align management systems such as ISO 45001 with the new prohibition where applicable

Enforcement and sanctions

Enforcement will be carried out by the appropriate authorities under the new exclusion. Non‑compliance could lead to legal action and disruption to business activities. Organisations should demonstrate proactive adoption of the prohibition through clear records of supplier disengagement and product removal.

Steps to achieve compliance

1. Identify all glue trap products across all brands, subsidiaries and sales channels
2. Immediately stop selling glue traps and remove them from all online and offline catalogs
3. Review procurement agreements and update supplier statements to exclude glue traps
4. Inform staff and contractors of the change and update internal risk assessments and procedures
5. Update governance documents and management systems, referencing ISO 45001 where relevant
6. Engage with external advisers if necessary to ensure compliant de‑selection and risk controls

For organisations seeking external support, Synergos Consultancy can assist with ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management, health and safety risk assessments and broader compliance packages. You may also consider competent person support as part of an ongoing governance framework.

The change demonstrates a clear expectation that certain product categories are not compatible with UK health and safety and welfare standards. Establishing clear processes now will support timely compliance and sustained regulatory alignment.

Timely compliance and proactive planning will help protect brand integrity, reduce regulatory exposure and support responsible pest management practices across the supply chain.

In summary these regulations mark a decisive move to ban glue traps across the UK under UK health and safety law.