These regulations will bring in strict rules ensuring that only private keepers who can provide zoo-level welfare standards will be able to keep primates.
Private primate keepers will be subject to a strict inspection regime to ensure welfare and licensing standards are upheld. From 6 April 2026 it will be an offence for anyone to keep a primate without a relevant licence. Failure to comply with the licence conditions could result in an unlimited fine, removal of the primate(s) or imprisonment for a term of up to 6 months.
What's next?
Existing primate keepers have until 6 April 2026 to reach compliance with the required welfare and licensing standards. You will find below an application form and relevant guidance notes to make an application.
As further information is received from DEFRA this page will be updated with further guidance.
If you are a primate owner or considering purchasing a primate and would like any further guidance at this time please email: animal.licensing@hertsmere.gov.uk
Frequently asked questions
Any primate that is being kept by a private keeper must be licensed by 6th April 2026. These include:
Marmosets
Tamarins
Squirrel Monkeys
Spider Monkeys
Capuchin Monkeys
Lemurs
Lorisids (also known as bush babies)
Certain primates also require a Dangerous Wild Animal (DWA) licence. To check if your primate is classed as a DWA and requires this additional licence you can check DEFRA's Schedule of DWA's.
You should apply for a primate licence as early as you can. Doing so will mean that you have a longer period to adapt to the changes that will become law in April 2026.
An application form can be found on the main page. Completed forms are to be sent to Animal Licensing, Hertsmere Borough Council, Civic Offices, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Herts, WD6 1WA or via email to: animal.licensing@hertsmere.gov.uk
Once received you will be emailed a link to make the required payment.
You can find the conditions that you will need to meet in Schedule 1 of the regulations. All applicants will need to meet the conditions. DEFRA have also now published guidance for keepers of Callitrichids.
The regulations do not apply to any premises licensed under the Zoo Licensing Act or places specified in a licence under section 2C of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act.
If a primate requires a Dangerous Wild Animals (DWA) licence then you will need to have both licences in place.
You must still hold a Primate licence even if you have a DWA licence, one does not override the other. You can request a shorter licence to coincide with your DWA if you wish. If you would like to discuss this option please contact Hertsmere's Animal Licensing Inspectors.
New Primate application: £300 / Renewals £275
These costs must be paid alongside your application.
Variation - £75
Variation if inspection is required: £200
Once an application has been processed we will be in touch to arrange your inspection alongside a veterinarian or a suitably qualified person who specialises in the required species. The cost of the vet/specialist is charged to you after the inspection.
Please note. No licence will be granted unless there has been a veterinary inspection. You will need to pay the cost of all inspections carried out by our authorised vet/specialist. All payments are to be made prior to the grant of a licence.
Primate licences last for a maximum of 3 years but you can request a shorter period if necessary, e.g. to coincide with a DWA licence.
The regulations require the following paperwork to be kept as part of the licence.
So we can deal with your application as quickly as possible, you should submit them as part of your application.
A plan of the premises
A register of all primates kept on the premises, including its name, its sex, its microchip number, its date of birth or, if not known, its approximate date of birth, its species, its colour and markings, the name and contact details of its previous keeper (where applicable);the date and cause of its death (where applicable); and where the primate is permanently transferred to other premises, the name and contact details of the new keeper (where applicable) and the address of the place to which it has been relocated;
A written emergency plan, covering the measures to be taken for the removal of the primates should the licensed premises become unsafe or uninhabitable, the arrangements for the care of the primates during and following an emergency; and an up-to-date list of emergency contact details that includes the fire service and police.
A written procedure for special circumstances, including plans in the event of the temporary isolation of any primate including arrangements for ensuring that the welfare needs of any primate that is being temporarily isolated are met during the period of its isolation, the death or escape of a primate, and the care of the primate(s) following the revocation of the licence or the death of the licence holder.
The individual diet plans for each primate. This must be created based on guidance from a vet or primate dietary expert.
A written hygiene protocol, covering
Cleaning and disinfecting
Prevention and control of the spread of disease
A written transportation procedure covering the welfare of the primate(s) while being transported.
Your policies and procedures should detail how you meet all of the licence conditions.
