How to check if you need a licence for chemicals

Do I need a licence to sell chemicals?

If you sell certain chemical products to the general public, you have a legal duty to check if they contain 'regulated substances'. Common examples include high-strength drain cleaners, brick acids, or some solvents. If any of your products are on the official government list, you must apply to the Home Office for a licence before you can legally sell them to consumers.

What are regulated substances?

The government controls the sale of certain chemicals that could be misused to create explosives or cause harm. These are known as 'explosives precursors and poisons'. The rules apply to these substances whether they are sold on their own or are present in a mixture above a certain concentration level.

How to check your products

1. Identify the ingredients: Look at the chemical ingredients listed on your product's packaging or on the safety data sheet (SDS) provided by your supplier.
2. Find the official list: Go to the GOV.UK website and search for the page titled 'Supplying explosives precursors and poisons'. This is the definitive source of information.
3. Compare your ingredients: Carefully check the ingredients and their concentrations from your products against the lists of regulated and reportable substances on the government's page.

Tip: If you are unsure about a product's chemical makeup, the quickest and most reliable way to find out is to contact the manufacturer or your supplier directly. They are legally required to provide you with this safety information.