Guidance

Advice to the public on the Control of Poisons and Explosives Precursors Regulations

Provides facts on applying for a licence, covering such issues as eligibility, processing times, and the relevant legislation and concentration thresholds.

• From: Home Office
• Published: 5 August 2014
• Last updated: 27 March 2025
  Show all updates

  1. 27 March 2025

     Removed reference to using a biometric residence permit for ID, as these can no longer be used.

  2. 16 June 2023

     Updated to reflect new secondary legislation that comes into force on 1 October 2023.

  3. 3 April 2018

     Updated FAQs following recent changes to the Poisons Act 1972.

  4. 19 April 2016

     Updated guidance published.

  5. 22 May 2015

     Updated document

  6. 5 August 2014

     First published.

This publication was withdrawn on 20 May 2025

See Explosives precursors and poisons licences: application guidance for more information about regulations and licensing.

Documents

Frequently asked questions: The Poison Act 1972 and the Control of Poisons and Explosives Precursors Regulations 2023

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Details

Information and common queries relating to the law controlling acqusition, possession and use of certain chemicals by members of the public.