Important information on restricted and general chemical ordering.
Explosives Precursors and Poisons (EPP)
October 2023 update
Our chemicals are currently only available for purchase by schools, colleges and universities, and may be subject to further restrictions.
Under The Control of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulations 2023, an End User Declaration is now mandatory for all regulated chemical purchases.
To see the regulations in full, visit the government’s website:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supplying-explosives-precursors/supplying-explosives-precursors-and-poison
We are now obliged to take the following information to verify the legitimacy of the end user:
School name and address
Person authorised to make the purchase on behalf of the school
Photographic identification (e.g., School ID card - must be current and in date)
Statement of the nature of use of the regulated chemicals
Customer VAT number (if available)
How to submit an order?
To submit an order of any of the chemicals listed under Regulated Explosive Pre-Cursors complete the End User Declaration form and return it with a scanned copy of your photographic ID to:
By submitting this form you confirm to 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.Renewal Required
The End User Declaration must be renewed every 18 months
Ethanol purchasing
Some grades of Ethanol require a permit for production, distribution and use of denatured alcohol.
An HMRC permit is required to purchase the following ethanol products under Excise Notice 473:
Methylated Spirit Industrial 98-99%
Ethanol Rectified
Ethanol Industrial 99% IDA
To apply for permit, or to see the regulations in full, visit the HMRC website.
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. Once you are approved you will be able to place orders online in the future.
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?
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
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