The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Trading Standards team have recently been conducting a series of test purchasing operations to ensure that high-strength corrosive products are not being sold illegally.
Officers visited 11 premises in the borough to make sure proper procedures were in place to prevent underage sales of products such as drain cleaners containing more than 15% w/w sulphuric acid. Under the Offensive Weapons Act 2019, it is illegal to sell corrosive products containing sulphuric acid at this concentration to individuals under the age of 18.
It is also illegal to sell corrosive products to the general public unless the buyer possesses a valid Explosives, Precursor and Poisons (EPP) licence.
Retailers must ensure that customers provide a copy of their EPP licence along with associated identification and paperwork issued by the Home Office. Supplying regulated substances to individuals without a valid EPP licence is a criminal offence.
Out of the 11 premises tested, only one was found to be in violation of the law. The business will now face further sanctions, including potential prosecution in court.
Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety at London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Council, commented: “We are committed to protecting our community from the dangers posed by high-strength corrosives. The results of these test purchases highlight the importance of vigilance and compliance among retailers.
“We will continue to take strong action against those who fail to adhere to the law.”
