Important UK Announcement

From July 1st 2018 all motorcycle & hard rubber batteries must be filled by the retailer before being sold to a member of the public in the UK who does not possess a valid EPP licence

New changes to government legislation mean that from July 1st 2018 it will be illegal for a member of the public to purchase a motorcycle or hard rubber battery that is supplied with a separate acid pack without them holding an Explosives Precursors and Poisons (EPP) licence. This will have far reaching effects for motorcycle and hard rubber battery resellers and consumers.

What is the new legislation?

Sulphuric acid has been reclassified as a regulated substance under the poisons act 1972. From July 1st 2018 members of the public wishing to acquire, possess or use sulphuric acid above a 15% concentration will need an EPP Licence to do so. This means that it will be an offence to buy or possess an unfilled motorcycle or hard rubber battery with a separate electrolyte bottle without a valid EPP licence, as the electrolyte contains sulphuric acid above 15% concentration.

Members of the public with a valid EPP Licence.

Members of the public with a valid EPP licence are allowed to purchase, acquire or possess unfilled batteries with separate acid packs. The retailer must inspect the licence along with the forms of identification specified by the licence.

The retailer must:

• Ask to see their licence and associated photographic ID Compare the photograph to the customer
• Verify the photographic ID reference against the ID reference on the front page of the licence
• Check the product being purchased is allowed as part of the licence conditions (substance, concentration, quantity)
• Record the transaction details in the table on the back of the licence.