Buying and selling poisons

The sale or supply of any Schedule 5 (S5), Schedule 6 (S6) or Schedule 7 (S7) poison must be in accordance with Part 2 of the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines (SUSMP) (external site). This includes adhering to all required labelling, packaging and storage requirements. They must not be supplied a person who is under 16 years of age.

Due to their dangerous toxicity there are further conditions on the supply of S7 poisons.

Schedule 7 poisons

S7 poisons may only be sold or supplied by licenced wholesalers or retailers.

S7 poisons must only be supplied in accordance with the conditions and restrictions listed in the Medicines and Poisons Act Section 72 Notice relating to S7 substances.

A retail purchaser of a S7 poison must be:

  • a bona fide primary producer; or
  • the holder of a permit/voucher specifying that poison; or
  • the holder of a pesticide operator’s licence, specifying that poison.

The Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994 (Commonwealth) (external site) may stipulate further criteria relating to the supply of individual S7 products.

The sale or supply must be recorded in accordance with Part 2, section 5(1) of the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines (SUSMP) (external site) and must contain:

  • name and address of the supplier
  • name, address of the purchaser
  • date of order and supply
  • name of the poison supplied
  • quantity supplied
  • authorisation of the purchaser to obtain S7 poisons (such as class of person of evidence of a valid permit).

Records must be kept for a period of 5 years from the date of supply and produced for inspection when requested by the Department of Health.

More information

Medicines and Poisons Regulation Branch
Mailing address: PO Box 8172, Perth Business Centre, WA 6849
Phone: 9222 6883
Email: MPRB@health.wa.gov.au

Last reviewed: 06-07-2021
Produced by

Medicines and Poisons Regulation Branch