Defra updates primate licensing guidance

Existing government guidance on the Licensing process for keeping primates has been updated following amendments published on 22 May.

The update applies to the ‘Inspections of licensed premises’ section to clarify inspection requirements and include additional detail on when and how inspections may be carried out, and the ‘Reporting primate licences and fees to the Secretary of State’ section to clarify reporting requirements.

The guidance, issued under the Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024, remains the central reference document for councils responsible for administering and enforcing primate licences for privately kept non‑human primates. It sets out how applications must be assessed, how inspections should be conducted, and the enforcement powers available where keepers fail to comply.

The Institute of Licensing (IoL) continues to support councils and the public through its national primate licensing campaign, delivered in partnership with Monkey World and the Jim Cronin Memorial Fund. The campaign provides training materials, FAQs and awareness resources to help ensure consistent understanding of the new regime. It also highlights key requirements, including that only individuals can hold a primate licence, all non‑human primates are covered, and keepers must apply even if they have owned the primate for many years.

With thousands of privately kept primates expected to fall under the new system, the IoL is encouraging early preparation and urging keepers to familiarise themselves with the updated statutory guidance.