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Written question asked by Zöe Franklin (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 25 April 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 29 April 2025. It was answered by Dan Jarvis (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 May 2025 on behalf of the Home Office.


Poisons: Sales

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will take steps to introduce legal obligations on retailers based outside Great Britain to report transactions with people in the UK involving substances regulated under the Poisons Act 1972 that they believe to be suspicious.

Answer

The reporting function under the Poisons Act 1972 applies to retailers in Great Britain only.

Upon importation Border Force does, however, have the powers to seize or detain if regulated explosive precursors or poisons that do not have the requisite licence or are considered suspicious are identified.

As set out in CONTEST, The United Kingdom’s Strategy for Countering Terrorism, the Government is committed to reducing the ability of terrorists to access and use materials and technology of concern. We continue to keep our policies regarding dangerous substances under review to ensure appropriate regulation and controls are in place to keep the public safe.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
48303
Session
2024-26
Related items
Hazardous Substances: Regulation
Tuesday, 15 July 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Disclosure of information Foreign companies Poisons Sales Retail trade
Legislation
Poisons Act 1972
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk