Sealey reminds factors of the 2018 changes to battery acid regulations.
On 1st July 2018, the regulations regarding the sale of sulphuric acid for use in lead-acid batteries changed. This is in response to the spate of acid related violent crimes that have been carried out in recent years. The regulation now states that anyone wanting to buy sulphuric acid with a strength of over 15% concentration must have a valid Explosives, Precursors and Poisons licence (EPP). The law is further strengthened from 1st
November 2018, it is now illegal for private individuals to possess or use sulphuric acid with a strength of over 15% concentration. With regard to the supply of batteries, any battery that does not contain sulphuric acid, such as Lithium Ion, AGM and Gel batteries can still be purchased and sent via postal services if required. Traditional ‘wet’ batteries will no longer be able to be sent via postal services. Prior to the change in legislation, it was possible to have this type of battery sent out via mail order and filled from sealed bottles of acid upon arrival. This practice is now illegal. It is also illegal to fill with acid and send this type of battery via a postal system due to the risk of acid spillage.
