Explosives precursors are chemicals that may be used in the illicit manufacture of explosives.
This document gives guidance to businesses and home users on selling or possessing explosives and precursors and poisons.
Added magnesium sulfide: CAS RN 12032-36-9 and sodium sulfide: CAS RN 1313-82-2 to the chemical list.
Explosives precursors and poisons guidance has been updated.
Updated to reflect changes made by the Controls of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulations 2023, which come into force on 1 October 2023.
Updated to clarify the photographic identification requirement for sales of regulated explosive precursors to professional users.
Updated to reflect changes made by the Controls of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulations 2023, which come into force on 1 October 2023.
Updated the information and links.
Change of page title and summary, various changes to html guidance.
Added a note that under the Offensive Weapons Act 2019, sales of corrosives are also restricted to those under 18.
Added a link to the new Report suspicious chemical activity service.
Updated list of explosive precursors.
Guidance to help you check a licence added.
Guidance updated in line with changes to the law that take effect from 26 May 2015.
First published.