Guidance

Explosives precursors and poisons licences: application guidance

Guidance for the public on how to apply for a licence to acquire, possess or use poisons or explosives precursors.

From:
Home Office
Published
5 August 2014
Last updated
1913 MayFebruary 20232025 — See all updates

Documents

Licensing for home users of poisons and explosive precursors

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Details

If you want to acquire, import, possess or use certain chemicals, poisons or explosives precursors, you must have a valid explosives precursors and poisons (EPP) licence issued by the Home Office.

This document gives guidance to the public on:

  • which substances you need an EPP licence for
  • offences and penalties for not having a licence
  • how to apply for an EPP licence
  • how to renew, replace or amend a licence
  • licence costs
  • who needs a certificate of good conduct

Updates to this page

Published 5 August 2014
Last updated 1913 MayFebruary 2023 2025 + show all updates

  1. Section 'Application process' updated.

  2. Updated to reflect changes made by the Controls of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulations 2023, which come into force on 1 October 2023.

  4. Updated 'renew a licence' section of guidance.

  6. Added content under 'Section 1 - regulated substances'.

  8. Amended part 5 to reflect the fact that Home Office EPP licences are no longer valid in NI following Brexit and to advise new procedure.

  10. Added content under 'Application process' section to clarify refusals processes.

  12. Updated guidance following a forthcoming change in legislation.

  14. Updated 'amend a licence' section of guidance

  16. Updated guidance published.

  18. Updated guidance

  20. First published.

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