Explosives Precursors and Poisons (EPP)
We now have a legal requirement to take additional steps to verify the legitimacy of any schools, colleges and universities wishing to purchase chemicals listed under The Control of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulations 2023.
The Control of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulations 2023
Legal requirements
In October 2023, important changes were made to legislation regarding the sale and purchase of Explosives Precursors and Poisons. It is now a legal requirement under the Control of Poisons and Explosives Precursors Regulations 2023 for us to obtain an End User Declaration to ensure our compliance to these regulations. (To see the regulations in full, please click the link to government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supplying-explosives-precursors/supplying-explosives-precursors-and-poison)
We are now obliged to take the following steps and information to verify the legitimacy of the end user:
• School name and address.
• Person who is authorised to on behalf of the school to make the purchase.
• A form of photographic identification. Accepted forms of ID include School ID card. All ID should be current and in date. Other forms of accepted ID can be found on the government website link above.
• A statement of the nature of the use of the regulated chemicals.
• Customer VAT number if one is available.
To complete a purchase of any of the chemicals listed under Regulated Explosive Pre-Cursors please complete this form and return along with a scanned copy of your photographic ID to enquiries@philipharris.co.uk
By submitting this form you are letting us know that you comply with the following:
• You and your organisation are aware that the listed products are regulated or reportable.
• The chemicals will be used for educational purposes only.
• The chemicals will be used and stored on your premises, and will not be loaned, given or sold to another organisation or member of the public.
• The storage and handling of these chemicals will be in line with the current MSDS and CLEAPSS Hazards recommendations.
The End User Declaration will need to be renewed every 18 months.
Ethanol purchasing
Some grades of Ethanol require a permit for production, distribution and use of denatured alcohol (Excise Notice 473). An HMRC permit is required to purchase some grades of Ethanol. Permits can be obtained from HMRC.
Methylated Spirit Industrial 98-99%
Ethanol Rectified
Ethanol Industrial 99% IDA
To apply for permit, or to see the regulations in full, please click the link below: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/excise-notice-473-production-distribution-and-use-of-denatured-alcohol#P791_58388
Frequently asked questions
Why am I seeing items as restricted?
If the items are showing as restricted this may mean we have not yet verified your account and/or received the relevant documentation. To complete a purchase of any chemicals listed as regulated explosives, precursors and poisons, please fill out this form. Then return to enquiries@philipharris.co.uk
How do I order restricted items?
To complete a purchase of any chemicals listed as regulated explosives, precursors and poisons, please fill out this form. Then return to enquiries@philipharris.co.uk
I am a private tutor. Can I still purchase chemicals?
All chemicals are regulated by the Home Office and/or restricted for commercial use, which is why you may find some items online are restricted. Our chemical supplier will not deliver these products to private individuals, including private tutors.
What are the key regulations governing the purchase of Explosive Precursors and Poisons?
The main regulations are listed under the Poison Act 1972. In 2015 the UK enhanced the Poisons Act to include Poisons and Explosive Precursors. The Control of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulations 2023 came into force from 1st October 2023, making further amendments to the regime governing regulated and reportable substances.
The full list of requirements can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supplying-explosives-precursors/supplying-explosives-precursors-and-poison
Which Chemicals are classified as Explosive Precursors or Poisons under current legislation?
Chemicals listed in The Control of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulations 2023 as Explosive Precursors or Poisons are categorised as either Regulated or Reportable. For a full list of chemicals listed under these regulations, please see the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supplying-explosives-precursors/list-of-chemicals
How does the legislation affect the purchase of chemicals online?
We have a legal obligation as a chemical supplier, to ensure any purchases are in line with The Control of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulations 2023. For online purchases, there are now restrictions to ensure we have all the legal documentation to verify that all purchases meet the regulations. For further information on what the requirements are and which documentation is needed, please see the government guidelines:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supplying-explosives-precursors/supplying-explosives-precursors-and-poison
Or contact our customer service team on:
enquiries@philipharris.co.uk
0345 120 4520
What are the legal requirements for buying restricted chemicals.
For any chemicals listed in The Control of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulations 2023 as a regulated Explosive Precursor, we need to ensure that any purchase is relevant to
the use of the business, school or educational establishment. We also now need to request written authorisation from the school for these purchases, and a form of photographic ID
from the person authorised to make the purchase.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supplying-explosives-precursors/supplying-explosives-precursors-and-poison
To download a copy of the authorisation form please click the link below:
https://www.philipharris.co.uk/media/10153/the_control_of_poisons_and_explosive_precursor_regulations_2023_v4_updated_oct_24-6.docx.
Are there any exemptions for certain users, such as researchers or educators?
Anyone wishing to purchase chemicals covered by The Control of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulations 2023 is subject to all the requirements. There are no exemptions.
To view the regulations in full please see the government guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supplying-explosives-precursors/supplying-explosives-precursors-and-poison
