Poisons licence

The retailing of poisons is controlled by the Poisons Act 1972. The Poisons List Order contains a list of poisons covered by the Poisons Act.

The Active Ingredients approved for use in the UK and included in the product searches are specified under Parts I and II of the Poisons List, as follows.

Part I - sale restricted to registered retail pharmacists

• aluminium phosphide
• methyl bromide
• chloropicrin
• sodium cyanide
• magnesium phosphide
• strychnine

Part II - sale restricted to registered retail pharmacists and listed sellers registered with local authority

• aldicarb;
• endosulfan;
• paraquat ^(d);
• alphachloralose;
• fentin acetate;
• phorate ^(a);
• ammonium bifluoride;
• fentin hydroxide;
• sodium fluoride, carbofuran ^(a);
• formaldehyde;
• sulphuric acid;
• chlorfenvinphos ^(a,b);
• mephosfolan;
• thiometon;
• demeton-s-methyl;
• methomyl ^(f);
• triazaphos ^(a);
• dichlorvos ^(a,e);
• nicotine ^(c);
• zinc phosphide;
• disulfuton ^(a);
• oxamyl ^(a).

Notes:

1. Granular formulations which do not contain more than 12% w/w of this, or a combination of similarly flagged poisons, are exempt;
2. Treatments on seeds are exempt;
3. Formulations containing not more than 7.5% of nicotine are exempt;
4. Pellets containing not more than 5% paraquat ion are exempt;
5. Preparations in aerosol dispensers containing not more than 1% w/w active ingredient are exempt. Materials impregnated with dichlorvos for slow release are exempt;
6. Solid substances containing not more than 1% w/w ai are exempt.

Download the application form below, complete and return it to the address shown.

Documents

• Poisons licence application form (PDF, 195 KB)(opens new window)

External links

The Poisons List (Amendment) Order 1992 (opens new window)