Finland bans consumer sales of rat poison as imports rise amidst safety concerns

In Finland, the sale of rat poison to consumers has been banned since 2018, and while ordinary citizens do not have the legal right to use such poisons, some have sought alternative sources. With rat poison unavailable in stores, individuals are looking to import it from other countries. Customs authorities have intercepted deliveries from places like Estonia, indicating that ordering rat poison is explicitly prohibited, as noted by Sanna Koivisto, a senior inspector at the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes).

Kai Jansson, CEO of pest control company Antitec, expressed concern over the potential dangers of ordering rat poison from abroad, highlighting that there is usually a reason substances are not registered or permitted in Finland.

To legally obtain poisons, some individuals have opted to complete a plant protection exam, which qualifies them to purchase professional-grade chemicals. However, suspicions have arisen that those who have completed the exam may be selling these poisons to others, though the extent of such misuse remains unclear.

While consumers cannot buy rat poison, mouse poison is accessible. Koivisto explained that both types of poison contain similar chemicals, differing only in dosage. However, the use of mouse poison for rats is not straightforward; consumer-grade poisons come in small packages and are only permitted for indoor use against mice, adhering strictly to usage guidelines.

Both Koivisto and Jansson stressed the dangers associated with these chemicals. Improper use can harm non-target animals and children, and self-administering rat poison might exacerbate rat problems if not done correctly, potentially leading to resistance among rodent populations.