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.
Documents
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
Last updated
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13 February 2025 Section 'Application process' updated.
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19 May 2023 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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11 February 2022 Updated 'renew a licence' section of guidance.
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9 June 2021 Added content under 'Section 1 - regulated substances'.
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2 June 2021 Amended part 5 to reflect the fact that Home Office EPP licences are no longer valid in NI following Brexit and to advise new procedure.
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1 June 2021 Added content under 'Application process' section to clarify refusals processes.
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3 April 2018 Updated guidance following a forthcoming change in legislation.
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17 August 2016 Updated 'amend a licence' section of guidance
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19 April 2016 Updated guidance published.
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22 May 2015 Updated guidance
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5 August 2014 First published.
Update history
2025-05-21 11:40
Updated to reflect a change in the application process.
2025-02-13 16:55
Section ‘Application process’ updated.
2023-05-19 10:10
Updated to reflect changes made by the Controls of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulations 2023, which come into force on 1 October 2023.