Licensing for home users of poisons and explosive precursors

Product Description

This research report outlines the licensing procedure for persons who wish to use chemicals regulated under the Poisons Act 1972 (as amended by the Deregulation Act 2015 and the Control of Poisons and Explosives Precursors Regulations 2015), the Poisons Act 1972 (Explosives Precursors)(Amendment) Regulations 2018 and the Control of Poisons and Explosives Precursors Regulations 2023 for home use.

Certain chemicals can be used to manufacture explosives illegally or to cause harm. Members of the public who want to import, acquire, possess or use these chemicals must have:

• a valid explosives precursors and poisons (EPP) licence issued by the Home Office
• an associated photographic identity document

You must report any suspicious transactions or attempted transactions (business to consumer and business to business) of regulated or reportable substances.

Members of the public must provide a valid EPP licence and associated photo ID if they wish to buy or receive any regulated substances above the specified concentration limit.

The licence application process will take you through a series of questions to check whether you need to apply for an EPP licence. It will prompt you to have all the necessary documents to hand, such as proof of identity and address.

On receipt of your application and payment, the Home Office will conduct checks into your suitability, including criminal record and health checks.

Once a decision on your application has been reached, the Home Office will write to you. If accepted, a licence will be posted to you separately.

Applications are considered on a case by case basis. The Home Office generally does not grant licences where there are safer alternatives that would produce the same effect as the substance you are requesting. This includes substances for unblocking pipes or most other cleaning purposes. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, your application will likely be refused and you will not receive a refund.