ExplosivesSupplying explosives precursors and poisons: general guidancepoisons
GeneralWhat guidancebusinesses onand using,professionals storingneed andto sellingdo explosiveswhen precursorsusing and poisons.supplying certain chemicals.
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Details
ExplosivesThis precursorsguide aretells chemicalsyou what steps you must follow when selling, supplying or using:
- explosives precursors (chemicals that
maycan be used to make explosives) - poisons
These are detailed in the illicitlist manufacture of explosives.chemicals.
This documentguide givesshould guidancebe toused by:
- businesses
- employees
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Updates to this page
Last updated
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Clarified the step-by-step processes for supplying different substances to different customers, and reporting suspicious activity. Added a section on training employees.
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Added a link to join the 'report suspicious chemical activity' research panel.
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Added magnesium sulfide: CAS RN 12032-36-9 and sodium sulfide: CAS RN 1313-82-2 to the chemical list.
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Explosives precursors and poisons guidance has been updated.
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Updated to reflect changes made by the Controls of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulations 2023, which come into force on 1 October 2023.
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Updated to clarify the photographic identification requirement for sales of regulated explosive precursors to professional users.
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Updated to reflect changes made by the Controls of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulations 2023, which come into force on 1 October 2023.
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Updated the information and links.
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Change of page title and summary, various changes to html guidance.
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Added a note that under the Offensive Weapons Act 2019, sales of corrosives are also restricted to those under 18.
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Added a link to the new Report suspicious chemical activity service.
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Updated list of explosive precursors.
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Guidance to help you check a licence added.
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Guidance updated in line with changes to the law that take effect from 26 May 2015.
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First published.
Update history
2026-03-18 13:37
Added details for people who want to get involved with research to understand how the Control of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulations (CEPPR 2023) changes are working in practice for businesses involved in the manufacture, supply or retail of regulated chemicals.
2024-08-08 12:46
Clarified the step-by-step processes for supplying different substances to different customers, and reporting suspicious activity. Added a section on training employees.
2024-05-02 13:55
Added a link to join the ‘report suspicious chemical activity’ research panel.
2024-03-27 11:43
Added magnesium sulfide: CAS RN 12032-36-9 and sodium sulfide: CAS RN 1313-82-2 to the chemical list.
2023-11-29 16:19
Explosives precursors and poisons guidance has been updated.
2023-08-15 12:57
Updated to clarify the photographic identification requirement for sales of regulated explosive precursors to professional users.
2023-05-19 10:43
Updated to reflect changes made by the Controls of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulations 2023, which come into force on 1 October 2023.
2022-12-19 14:09
Updated the information and links.