Input Requested: Home Office Research on Explosives Precursors Regulations Implementation

At a Glance

• Home Office is gathering feedback on how the Control of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulations 2023 (CEPPR 2023) are working in practice, especially for SMEs handling regulated chemicals.

• Research topics include practical impacts, compliance and verification experiences, challenges since implementation, and ideas to improve future guidance.

• NatCen is hosting virtual focus groups and interviews, with opportunities to participate directly or provide views via AIC contacts by 3 March 2026.

Full Briefing Below

Input Requested: Home Office Research on Explosives Precursors Regulations Implementation

The Home Office Control of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulations (CEPPR) Policy Team is conducting research to understand how The Control of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulations 2023 (CEPPR 2023) changes are working in practice for businesses, particularly micro, small and medium‑sized enterprises involved in the manufacture, supply or retail of regulated chemicals, such as those in the Crop Protection and Agronomy and Fertiliser sectors.

The research will explore feedback on:

•         the practical impacts of the 2023 regulatory changes

•         experiences with compliance, verification and reporting

•         positive outcomes and challenges since implementation

•         suggestions to inform future evaluation and guidance 

NatCen Social Research, an independent research organisation, will run a series of virtual focus groups (up to 90 mins) and one-to-one interviews (up to 70 minutes), scheduled at a time that suits you.

Focus groups will take place on: 

• Thursday 26 February: 14:00 - 15:30

• Monday 2 March: 19:00 - 20:30

• Wednesday 4 March: 10.30 - 12:00

If you would like to take part directly, request further details, or arrange an alternative date, please contact NatCen via [email protected]

Alternatively, to contribute via AIC, please send your thoughts and views to Hazel Doonan, Jo Gilbertson or Roberta Reeve by 3 March 2026.

Authors

Hazel Doonan

Head of Crop Protection & Agronomy, AIC

Hazel is based at AIC Head Office, Peterborough and is responsible for management and coordination of the Crop Protection Sector.

Previous to her role with AIC Hazel was employed in the crop protection industry for 18 years as a BASIS qualified agronomist. She was also responsible for managing a regional agrochemical department with a national distributor.

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

01733 385251

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Jo Gilbertson

Head of Fertiliser, AIC

Jo Gilbertson is AIC’s Head of Fertiliser and is based at our Head Office in Peterborough.

Jo is responsible for the management and co-ordination of all matters relating to the production and distribution of fertilisers on behalf of Members.

Graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Health, he has additional post graduate qualifications in air pollution control, health and safety, advanced negotiation skills, and quality assurance management.

Jo has previously worked in local government as an environmental health officer, before spending 17 years in senior management roles in Tesco, handling legal and governmental affairs, and latterly managing a business unit in their corporate marketing department.

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

01733 385278

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Roberta Reeve

Technical Manager, AIC Services

Roberta Reeve is Technical Manager for AIC Services. She is based at AIC Head Office, Peterborough and is responsible for the management and coordination of the AIC assurance schemes.

Prior to her role with AIC, Roberta was employed in a variety of development, technical & operational roles in the food industry covering heat processed, chilled & ambient foods.

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

01733 385244

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