Drain unblockers such as One Shot, contains 15% w/w sulphuric acid. It is illegal under the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 to sell corrosives containing sulphuric acid at concentrations of 15% or more (weight by weight) to anyone under the age of 18.

Key Points for Retailers:

• EPP Licence Requirement: Products with high concentrations of acids listed in Schedule 1 of the Offensive Weapons Act, like One Shot, cannot be sold to the general public without a valid Explosives, Precursor and Poisons (EPP) licence.

• Verification Process: Retailers must verify that buyers hold a valid EPP licence, issued by the Home Office.

Due Diligence Recommendations:

To help ensure compliance with the law, retailers should:

• Verify EPP Licence: Require all customers purchasing regulated products to present their EPP licence.

• Restrict Access: Store corrosive products behind the counter and out of customer reach.

• Adopt Challenge 25: Implement a policy of checking identification for anyone appearing under 25.

• Maintain a Refusals Register: Log instances of sale refusals for accountability.

• Use EPOS Till Prompts: Set up electronic till prompts to remind staff to check for necessary documentation.

• Install Deterrent Measures: Utilise CCTV and signage to discourage underage purchases.

For more information or to report a suspected violation, contact  your local Trading Standards Service https://www.tradingstandards.uk/consumer-help/, the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline  https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/if-you-need-more-help-about-a-consumer-issue/, or London Trading Standards’ Consumer Crime webpage https://www.londontradingstandards.org.uk/report-consumer-crime/.