Retailers and online sellers could face new licensing requirements for sales of castor beans and rosary peas under UK government proposals to reduce the risk of poisoning involving highly toxic plant-derived substances.
The proposed measures would apply across Great Britain — England, Scotland and Wales — under the Poisons Act 1972. If adopted, they would make it a criminal offence to sell the affected seeds to members of the public without a valid licence.
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Castor beans contain ricin, while rosary peas contain abrin. Both substances are highly toxic, although the seeds also have legitimate uses, including gardening and decoration. The government wants to reduce the risk of their misuse.
The Home Office, the government department responsible for domestic security, opened a public consultation on 1 October 2026. Retailers, online marketplaces, manufacturers and other interested parties have until 11 November 2026 to respond.
Licensing implications for retailers
Under the proposals, members of the public would need a valid explosives precursors and poisons (EPP) licence to buy the affected seeds. The government says applicants may qualify if they have a genuine need for a regulated substance and no safer alternative is available.
For retailers and online sellers, the proposed restrictions could require changes to sales procedures, including checks on customers’ eligibility to purchase the products.
The wider consultation also covers tighter controls on certain chemicals, higher licence fees and revised record-keeping requirements for sales of regulated poisons to professional and business customers. The proposed changes would require specified customer information to be retained for 18 months.
Southport inquiry identifies regulatory gap
The proposals follow findings from the public inquiry into the July 2024 attack in Southport, England. The inquiry found that the perpetrator had lawfully obtained castor beans and subsequently produced a crude preparation of ricin without triggering existing regulatory controls.
The Home Office says tighter domestic controls could reduce the availability of these materials through UK supply chains. However, the measures would not eliminate every route of access, particularly purchases from overseas suppliers.
Consultation responses will help inform the government’s decision on whether and how to amend the rules. The proposed licensing restrictions are not yet in force.
