Most online rat poison sales violate safety rules, Dutch Inspectorate finds
More than two-thirds of professional-grade rodent control products sold online in the Netherlands violate regulatory standards, according to an investigation by the Dutch Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT). The agency found that 65.5 percent of inspected online listings failed to meet legal requirements, raising concerns about safety and market fairness.
The ILT analyzed 145 Dutch web pages advertising 26 different biocidal rodent control products. Inspectors found that 57 percent of listings lacked legally required safety warnings, and 9.7 percent offered professional-use-only products to general consumers—an illegal practice under Dutch and European regulations.
The agency contacted six companies that were selling prohibited pest control products. Three of those businesses voluntarily ceased their illegal sales, while the ILT issued formal warnings to the remaining three. Additionally, 89 companies received an informational notice reminding them of the applicable regulations.
The ILT is responsible for enforcing compliance with the Biocidal Products Regulation and the Dutch Pesticides and Biocides Act. It stated that it will continue monitoring online sales and coordinating with European regulators to curb illegal biocide distribution. "Enforcement is crucial not only for public safety but also to maintain a level playing field for businesses that follow the rules," the agency stated.
