Collection

Explosives precursors and poisons

Guidance for the public and businesses on using, storing and selling explosives precursors and poisons, as well as how to apply for a licence.

From:
Home Office
Published
5 August 2014
Last updated
2 May 2024 — See all updates

Explosive precursors are chemicals that may be used in the illicit manufacture of explosives.

Users of certain chemicals should read through the guidance below before applying for an EPP licence.

As of 1 January 2021, following the departure of the UK from the EU, an EPP licence issued by the Home Office will no longer be recognised in Northern Ireland see Marketing and use of explosives precursors in Northern Ireland.

For retailer-specific information on selling chemicals responsibly please see ProtectUK.

Report suspicious chemical activity

You can join the Home Office’s research panel to give feedback on the digital service for reporting suspicious chemical activity.

Sign up to join the panel.

Explosives precursors and poisons: general guidance

Explosives precursors and poisons licensing: guidance for home users

Explosives precursors and poisons licensing: guidance for businesses

Privacy notices

Published 5 August 2014
Last updated 2 May 2024 + show all updates

  1. Added a link to join the 'report suspicious chemical activity' research panel.

  2. Added link to ProtectUK, to provide retailers with specific information on selling chemicals responsibly.

  3. Changes to clustering of collection content.

  4. Retitled the page to better reflect the subject of the guidance collection documents. Removed links to guidance on notifying your intention to hold pathogens and toxins and the pathogens and toxins notification personal information notice. These are no longer relevant to the collection subject.

  5. Privacy notices covering "explosives precursors and poisons licensing" and "pathogens and toxins notification" published.

  6. First published.

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