From 25 June 2026, a new Code of Practice comes into force for every licensed animal research establishment in the UK. For most establishments, day-to-day practice will not change significantly, but it is a good moment to make sure everyone in your team understands what the CoP is, what it requires, and why it exists.
The Code of Practice for the Care and Accommodation of Animals Bred, Supplied or Used for Scientific Purposes sets the mandatory minimum legal standards for how protected animals are housed, cared for, and managed at licensed establishments. It sits within the UK regulatory framework under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA), and every licensed site must comply with it as a condition of their Establishment Licence.
What has been updated?
The 2026 CoP replaces the version that has been in force since December 2014. It does not introduce new obligations. Its purpose is to clarify existing statutory standards, remove references that became outdated after the UK left the EU, and ensure consistency with the restated version of ASPA. The non-statutory leading practice guidance previously included in the 2014 CoP has been separated out and published independently on GOV.UK. For most people working in licensed animal units, the practical implications of the changeover are minimal.
Why it is worth a refresh
The CoP applies to everyone who handles or is responsible for protected animals, not just named persons or licence holders. Animal technicians, postgraduate researchers, and facility support staff all work within an environment shaped directly by its standards, often without having had a formal introduction to what the CoP actually is or how it connects to ASPA and the 3Rs.
The update is a natural prompt to revisit that foundation, particularly for staff who completed their initial training some time ago.
A short module to support your team
| Our short online module, The Code of Practice: What It Is and Why It Matters, provides a concise introduction to the CoP, its legal basis, and what it means in practice across both academic and commercial settings. It takes around 10 minutes, is suitable for all staff as a standalone refresher or as part of wider CPD, and is available to all RAT membership account holders. |