Directory

Access tools

Set Text size

| |

Set Contrast

| |

Text only
Translation
Listen

Poisons Licence

The Poisons Act 1972

• Controls the sale of poisons, and
• Provides for registration of sellers of poisons.

Why do I need to be entered on the Poisons List?

The Poisons Act 1972 and the Poisons Rules 1982 prohibit the sale of poisons unless the seller is a retail pharmacist or a person who has his name on the local authority's list entitling him to sell poisons from the premises named (a listed seller).

Listed sellers can not sell poisons which are included in Part I of the Poisons List. These may only be sold by a pharmacist.

A listed seller or their named deputy is authorised to sell the poisons named in Part II of the Poisons List subject to certain conditions as laid down in Section Three of the Poisons Act 1972 and in the Poisons Rules, 1982.

Whose details are on the list?

The person who will carry out the sale should be entered on the list, a deputy or deputies may also be nominated.

Do wholesalers of Part II Poisons need to be on the list?

If the sale is on a wholesale basis, there is no need to be entered on the list. The details of substances, which form the list, are very complex and there are variations between parts of the list as to whom some substances may be sold. All sales must be in a closed container, which has been closed by the manufacturer.

Poisons Book

Each listed seller is required to keep a Poisons Book in which certain information relating to each sale of a poison must be entered before delivery to the purchaser.

How do I apply for inclusion in the list?

There is an application fee which must be paid at the time the application is made. You can also contact us for further advice.

The licence runs from 1 May (or date of application if later) until 30 April. Where a name is entered on the list of persons entitled to sell Part II poisons that name will be removed from the list on 30th April each year unless an application to retain the name on the list has been received.

Offences and Penalties

If a person is convicted before any Court of any offence, which in the opinion of the Court, renders them unfit to have their name on the list of persons entitled to sell non-medicinal poisons, the Court may order their name to be removed from the list and be disqualified from having their name on any local authority list for such period as they may specify.

• penalties upon conviction can be up to £2,500.

Further Information

Copies of the Poisons Act 1972 and other legislation mentioned here can be purchased from the Office of Public Sector Information . This information is only a brief guide, for further information please contact us.