Bira Direct supplier SIKA UK Distribution is a UK’s leading sealant, adhesive and building chemical supplier.
SIKA recently warned about a new government legislation change coming into effect from 1st October 2023 for companies selling products containing hydrochloric acid.
In a letter to their business partners and customers, they have said:
Hydrochloric acid at 10% or greater has been upgraded to a regulated explosive precursor within The Control of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulations 2023.
The law was updated on 23 Jan 2023 and comes into force effective 1st Oct 2023.
What does this mean for you?
The change in law means you must follow tighter regulations and processes to use any product that contains greater than 10% Hydrochloric Acid.
You must ensure your customer has a legitimate business purpose for purchasing the product. You can download further information and the Government leaflets to help explain this further.
You will be required to obtain the following information when selling the applicable products.
- The customer’s name and address. If the business customer is not an individual, the name of an individual authorised on behalf of the business should be recorded.
- A form of photographic identification of the business customer or, if the business customer is not an individual, of the individual making the purchase.
- A statement of the nature of their trade, business, profession, or public function that the business customer performs.
- The business customer’s VAT registration number. If applicable.
- This information must be recorded and retained for 18 months and available for inspection.
- The government must be informed within 24 hours if stock is unaccounted for.
- Members of the public will need a licence to buy the applicable products.
​​​​​​What does this mean for you as a Sika customer?
This change in legislation affects the following products:
As our customer, you will also be required to provide Sika with the necessary information prior to purchasing. More details will be shared soon.
We will continue to offer alternative products with a content below 10%, which can be used on the same applications. These products are not affected by the new legislation and can continue to be sold without restriction. These are outlined below:
Sika Brick and Patio Cleaner
Everbuild 401 Brick and Patio Cleaner
Feb Brickclean
Cemstrip
What do you do if you have existing stock?
This change in law comes into effect on 1st October 2023. From this date, you will need to follow the new legislation processes to continue selling the applicable products.
Should you need any further help, please get in touch with your Account Manager to discuss this legislation change and the alternative products on offer for you.
Yours sincerely,​​
Darren Bunting
UK Distribution Business Unit Manager
For more information on this Bira Direct supplier, visit SIKA UK Distribution page.
To find out more about all the benefits of product buying for independent retail businesses, visit Bira Direct
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