Non-Medicinal Poisons (Poisons Act 1972)

Non-Medicinal Poisons

The retailing of poisons is controlled by the Poisons Act 1972. 

The Poisons List Order 1982 contains a list of poisons covered by the Poisons Act. Part I of this list contains poisons that may only be sold by a registered pharmacist. Part II of the list contains the poisons which cannot be sold unless you are registered to do so with your Local Authority.

Registering for the Sale of Non-Medicinal Poisons

Before selling poisons listed in Part II of the Poisons Act an application to be entered on the Council's list of persons who may sell Part II poisons must be made to the Council. 

There is an application fee which must be paid at the time the application is made.

Where a name is entered on the list of persons entitled to sell Part II poisons that name shall be removed from the list on 30th April each year unless an application to retain the name on the list has been received.

Poisons to Which Part II of the Poisons List Applies

The poisons which are listed in Part II of the Poisons List change on a periodic basis.

For a complete up to date list of poisons appearing on the 'Poisons List', you will need to view the latest copy on the Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) website

Requirements Relating to the Sale of Part II Poisons

Poisons may only be sold from premises named on the Council's list. 

The container of the poison must labelled with:

i) the name of the poison, and
ii) in the case of a preparation which contains a poison as one of its ingredients, with particulars as to the proportion of the poison to the total ingredients, and 
iii) with the word 'poison' or other prescribed indication of the character of the article, and 
iv) with the name of the seller and the address of the premises on which it is sold. 

No liquid poison may be sold in a bottle with a capacity of less than 1.14 litres unless the outer surface of the bottle is fluted vertically with ribs or grooves recognisable by touch. 

Any poison consigned for transport must be sufficiently stoutly packed to avoid leakage arising from the ordinary risks of handling and transport. In the case of the following poisons, the outside of the package must also be labelled conspicuously with the name of the poison and a notice that it is to be kept separate from food and empty food containers. 

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. 

No person on the list may use any title, emblem or description that suggests they are entitled to sell any poison which they are not entitled to sell, and if convicted shall be liable to a fine not exceeding £500 and a further fine not exceeding £5 for each day that the contravention continues. 

A person convicted of contravening or failing to comply with the provisions of the Poisons Act 1972, or the Poisons Rules shall be liable to a fine not exceeding £2,500 and a further fine not exceeding £10 for each day the offence continues. 

If a person:

a) wilfully delays or obstructs an Inspector from the Council, or 
b) refuses to allow samples to be taken, or 
c) fails to give information which they are required to give, they shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding £500. 

Further Information

Copies of the Poisons Act 1972 and other legislation mentioned above can be viewed on the Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) website

A copy of the Poisons Act 1972 can be inspected at the Council Offices (address above), where you may also obtain an application form and further help or advice. 

What is the process?

This is a registration with the local authority.

How long does the process take?

The outcome of your application will be determined within 14 days.

How long is it valid?

The registration runs from 1st May to 30th April the following year.

How much does it cost?

Grant = £25.00

Renewal = £12.00

Transfer = £6.50

Licensing Register

The document 'Non-medicinal Poison Register' attached to this page is a list of premises which are registered to sell non-medicinal poisons.

Date of Publication 27/01/2012