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Chemicals: Import Controls

Asked by Nick TimothyConservativeHome OfficeTabled Answered 10 February 2026UIN 110129

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, on what grounds Border Force might allow (a) sodium nitrate and (b) other toxic materials onward passage to a postal address.

Answered by Mike Tapp

Border Force controls imports and exports of sodium nitrate and other toxic materials in line with legislation. Where appropriate, Border Force uses powers in the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 (CEMA), The Police and Crime Evidence Act 1984, The Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989, and common law powers to detain or seize such goods, when they are liable to forfeiture under CEMA or evidence of an offence, referring to other law enforcement agencies for actioning as necessary.

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