Trading standards Poisons

Amendments to the Poisons Act 1972

On 26 March 2015, the Deregulation Act 2015 introduced amendments to the Poisons Act 1972. The amendments create a cohesive regime for poisons and explosives precursors that builds on the regime already in place under the Control of Explosives Precursors Regulations 2014 (revoked on 26 May 2015).

From 26 May 2015, members of the public have needed to present a valid licence issued by the Home Office before being able to purchase the most dangerous poisons and highest risk explosives precursors.

Retailers will be required to indicate that possession, acquisition and use by the general public of regulated substances is restricted on the product label.

The legislation also requires suppliers to report suspicious transactions, significant losses and thefts of products containing substances on Schedule 1A to the Poisons Act 1972 to the police.

Retailers of products containing poisons listed on Part 4 of Schedule 1A to the Poisons Act 1972 (what used to be Part 2 of the Poisons List 1982) will no longer need to register with us to have their name listed.

Licences issued under the Control of Explosives Precursors Regulations 2014 will remain valid until their original expiry date.

Please complete the application form to have your name added to our list of persons entitled to sell non-medicinal poisons included in Part II of the Poisons List. If you're looking to have your name retained on the list rather than added, please complete the renewal form.