Drug laws and licensing
Back to Domestic licencesCompanies
Any company that wishes to produce, supply or possess controlled drugs will need a Home Office domestic licence. Please refer to the list of controlled drugs to identify your licence requirements
Applying for a domestic licence
This is now done online. If you are an existing licensee please contact us before you apply if you do not have your log-in password.
Anybody who applies for a domestic licence must ensure that they have read the relevant guidance regarding security and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Once you have read the guidance you will need to fill in an online domestic licence application and apply for a CRB enhanced disclosure for each individual named on the application form.
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 enables DLCU to ask questions about spent convictions for the purpose of assessing applicants suitability to obtain a licence.
The Drug Licensing and Compliance Unit (DLCU) has contracted Capita Recruitment Vetting Service (CRVS) to provide a scheme to enable DLCU licence applicants to obtain CRB enhanced disclosures. A CRB disclosure guidebook is available from the Capita Recruitment Vetting Service Website. For more information, visit the CRVS website (new window).
To apply for a CRB enhanced disclosure contact CRVS on: 0870 850 2516
DLCU does not process CRB applications. Any queries regarding the CRB application process should be directed to the Capita Recruitment Vetting Service on 0870 850 2516.
Apply for a domestic licence online (new window)
Once we have received your online application it will be assessed to ensure that the security and record-keeping requirements have been met.
The contents of the CRB enhanced disclosures for all applicants named on the application form will also be taken into account in the decision as to whether or not to issue a licence.
At present please allow a minimum of twelve weeks for your application to be processed.
Licensing exceptions
Private Hospitals require licences for Schedule 1 and 2 drugs only.
NHS Hospitals only require a licence for Schedule 1 drugs.
University research departments do not require licences to possess and supply drugs in Schedules 2, 3, 4 Part I, 4 Part II and Schedule 5, but they do require licences to produce any of those drugs and to produce, possess and/or supply drugs in Schedule 1.
Once a licence has been issued it is the responsibility of the licensee to inform the Home Office of any adverse incidents.
Reporting thefts and losses
This should be done using the thefts and losses form:
