Offensive Weapons Act 2019
The Act restricts access to the most harmful corrosive substances by under 18s by making it an offence to sell a corrosive product, whether over the counter or online, to someone under 18 years of age. When a corrosive product is sold remotely, section 3 of the Act makes it an offence for the seller to arrange to deliver or arrange for its delivery to residential premises. It is also an offence for the seller to deliver or arrange for its delivery to a locker for collection.
For the purposes of sections 1 to 4 of the Act relating to sales and deliveries, the definition of a “corrosive product” is as provided by Schedule 1 of the Act. Schedule 1 lists the particular substances and the concentration limit at which they fall within the definition of “corrosive product”. For the purposes of this Act it includes these substances with a higher concentration; Hydrochloric acid (CAS RN 7647-01-0) 10% w/w and Sodium hypochlorite (CAS RN 7681-52-9) 10% w/w. Read more at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-offensive-weapons-act-2019/statutory-guidance-offensive-weapons-act-2019-accessible-version
Plastica products covered by the Offensive Weapons Act 2019
- RCH505 – 32% Hydrochloric acid
- RCH122 - 25ltr Ultra Sodium Hypo 14%
- RCH123 - 25ltr Ultra Sodium Hypo 14%
- RCH127 - 10ltr Relax Liquid Shock 14/15%
- RCH128 - 10ltr Relax Liquid Shock 14/15%
- RCH129 - 10ltr Relax Liquid Shock 14/15%
The Control of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulations 2023 – amendment to the Poisons Act 1972
Certain chemicals can be used in the illicit manufacture of explosives or to cause harm.
Members of the public who want to import, acquire, possess or use these chemicals must hold an Explosives Precursors and Poisons (EPP) licence issued by the Home Office and an associated photographic identity document.
From 1 October 2023 businesses supplying regulated explosives precursors to professional users and other businesses (i.e., those who don’t need a licence) will need to take additional steps to verify the legitimacy of the professional user or business.
Any suspicious transactions or attempted transaction (business to consumer and business to business) of regulated substances and reportable substances must be reported within 24 hours using the online service or by phoning 0800 789321.
On 26 March 2015, the Poisons Act 1972 was amended via the Deregulation Act 2015 and the Control of Poisons and Explosives Precursors Regulations 2015 were introduced to create a cohesive regime to control sales of explosives precursors and poisons.
The Control of Poisons and Explosives Precursors Regulations 2023 introduced new substances to the lists of regulated explosives precursors and poisons. Offences relating to the acquisition, importation, supply, possession and use of the following substances were added and are effective from 1 October 2023. Read more at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supplying-explosives-precursors/supplying-explosives-precursors-and-poison
Substances listed below, which fall below the stated concentration threshold, should still be considered reportable substances.
Regulated substances
Explosives precursors
- hydrochloric acid: 10% w/w
- hydrogen peroxide:12% w/w
- phosphoric acid: 30% w/w
Poisons
- oxalic acid: 10% w/w
Reportable substances
Poisons
- potassium hydroxide 17% of total caustic alkalinity
- sodium hypochlorite solutions, above 6% available chlorine
Products of particular interest are those in which a reportable chemical is either: present on its own or the main ingredient, or present in a simple mixture, typically less than 5 ingredients.
Plastica products covered by the control of explosives precursors and poisons regulations 2023
- RCH504 – 10% Hydrochloric acid – Explosive - Regulated (consumer) – Reportable for professional use
- RCH505 – 32% Hydrochloric acid – Explosive - Regulated (consumer) – Reportable for professional use
- RCH122 - 25ltr Ultra Sodium Hypo 14% – Poison - Reportable
- RCH123 - 25ltr Ultra Sodium Hypo 14% – Poison - Reportable
- RCH127 - 10ltr Relax Liquid Shock 14/15% – Poison - Reportable
- RCH128 - 10ltr Relax Liquid Shock 14/15% – Poison - Reportable
- RCH129 - 10ltr Relax Liquid Shock 14/15% – Poison - Reportable
- OLC147/RSPA34 - Instant Cartridge Filter Cleaner (Spray) it contains potassium hydroxide of at least 17% of total caustic alkalinity - Poison – Reportable
- RCH098 - Multi Stain Remover contains Oxalic acid but less than 10% w/w (Regulated threshold) – Poison – Reportable
- OLC/RCH049 - Tile & Liner Cleaner contains phosphoric acid but less than 30% w/w (Regulated threshold) – Explosive - Reportable
- OLC/RCH050 - Tile & Liner Cleaner contains phosphoric acid but less than 30% w/w (Regulated threshold) – Explosive - Reportable
- PCHB9025 – 12% Hydrogen Peroxide – Explosive - Regulated (consumer) – Reportable for professional use
