From July 1st 2018 all motorcycle 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 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 battery resellers and consumers.
What is the new legislation?
Sulphuric acid has been reclassified as a regulated substance. 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 battery with a separate electrolyte bottle without a valid EPP licence, as the electrolyte contains sulphuric acid above 15% concentration.
Why has it come into force?
In responding to recent events and following an industry wide consultation, the government has introduced measures to further control the sale of sulphuric acid which has been reclassified as an explosive precursor. Explosive precursors are chemicals that may be used in the illicit manufacture of explosives.
What Yuasa products are affected?
The new regulations affect all Yuasa products where acid is supplied in a bottle alongside the battery for the customer to self-activate. It also affects separate electrolyte bottles.
EPP licencing is not required for batteries that are supplied with the acid already inside. These are exempt as a filled battery is classified as ‘specific object’.
The exemption is provided by new paragraph 2 (9) (b) of the Poisons Act 1972:
A substance or mixture is excluded if … it is contained in a specific object.
How does this affect distributors and dealers?
It is the responsibility of all distributors, dealers and retailers to ensure they comply with these new regulations
Click here for government guidance for businesses.
link to original post: – https://www.yuasa.co.uk/2018/06/important-uk-announcement-new-regulations-will-change-the-way-motorcycle-batteries-can-be-sold/