With tightening UK regulations on acid-based chemicals, HB Trade is helping cleaning professionals, facilities managers and the construction trade stay compliant while maintaining access to the powerful cleaning solutions they need.
The latest changes under the Control of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulations 2023 mean that certain high-strength chemicals can only be supplied to verified trade professionals. Among the regulated products are HB Trade Bullitt, a 96% sulphuric acid drain cleaner, and HB Trade Spirits of Salt, a 32% hydrochloric acid industrial descaler, which are available exclusively to registered trade users.
To purchase, UK law requires customers to record their details with the seller. This includes supplying the trade or business name and address, photographic ID of the authorised buyer, confirmation of the business type or profession and a VAT registration number where applicable.
"These products are strictly for professional use and cannot be sold anyone under 18, or to the general public without an EPP licence," said Scarlet McAleese-Banks, Joint Managing Director of Hilton Banks. "HB Trade Bullitt and Spirits of Salts deliver the industrial-strength performance that professionals need, but these products must be handled with care and in full accordance with the law. We are committed to supporting both our trade customers and our distribution partners to ensure that these powerful solutions remain available for legitimate professional use while minimising risk."
Given the strength of these acid-based products, HB Trade also provides clear guidance and support for safe handling. Professionals using Bullitt or Spirits of Salts must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, protective clothing and eye protection to reduce the risk of exposure. Usage guidelines should always be followed carefully, with users ensuring they fully understand the product instructions before handling. Secure storage is also essential, with products kept out of reach of unauthorised persons to prevent misuse. These precautions not only protect the user but also ensure compliance with safety regulations designed to minimise potential harm.
By using HB Trade products, professionals benefit from legally compliant, rigorously tested formulations that adhere to UK safety standards while offering superior cleaning efficiency. It is worth noting that while the Spirits of Salts is banned from retail sale, a lower-strength 10% version remains legally available for non-professional customers.
"HB Trade remains committed to supporting the cleaning and construction industry with reliable, compliant and high-performance solutions," said Scarlet. "Through clear guidance and robust safety measures, the brand is setting the standard for responsible product use in the professional sector."
For more details Search for Supplying explosives precursors and poisons on www.gov.uk
To find out more about Hilton Banks visit: www.hiltonbanks.com/bullitt/
Construction News
19/03/2025
Industrial-Strength Cleaners: HB Trade Helps Professionals Stay Legally Compliant


10/07/2025
Vistry Group has agreed two major deals with housing provider Abri to enable the delivery of almost 200 affordable homes across Hampshire, marking a significant step forward in addressing local housing needs.
In Funtley, near Fareham, Vistry has completed a simultaneous land acquisition and forward

10/07/2025
Caddick Construction has officially completed its first Midlands project with the handover of Mansion House, a six-storey residential development comprising 58 new apartments, to joint venture partners Urban Splash and Places for People.
Located on the 43-acre Port Loop island alongside Birmingham

10/07/2025
Lovell has broken ground on a new residential development in Port Sunlight, set to transform a long-vacant brownfield industrial site into a thriving community of 115 high-quality homes.
Located on Dock Road North, the development supports the local authority’s strategy to unlock underused land for

10/07/2025
Morgan Sindall Construction's Wales division has officially broken ground on a new state-of-the-art Additional Learning Needs (ALN) school in Clydach Vale, designed to be net zero carbon in operation.
Commissioned by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, the £37 million school will provide Engl

10/07/2025
HG Construction has announced a £1.2 million investment in Dumarey Green Power's 'Revolution Battery' technology, following successful trials earlier this year aimed at decarbonising crane and hoist operations across its UK sites.
The investment marks a significant step in HG Construction's drive t

10/07/2025
M Group has completed a major improvement project at Queenstown Road Station in south-west London, delivering long-awaited upgrades including a new rear entrance designed to ease access for daily commuters.
Undertaken on behalf of developer Taylor Wimpey, the project involved significant engineerin

10/07/2025
Helical has appointed McLaren Construction as the main contractor for the £90 million transformation of Brettenham House, an iconic Art Deco building on London's north bank, into a state-of-the-art sustainable office and retail hub.
Originally built in 1932 and located within the Savoy Conservation

10/07/2025
Tower Hamlets Council has completed 30 road resurfacing schemes across the borough over the past year, thanks to targeted investment and funding support from central government.
The improvements aim to deliver a more resilient road network, reduce disruption, and lower carbon emissions.
Part-fund

10/07/2025
Mace has been appointed by Pegasi to deliver the major transformation of Fresh Wharf, a prominent 1980s building located on the banks of the River Thames, into a cutting-edge, sustainability-driven workplace.
Situated just minutes from Tower Bridge, the 11-storey structure will be transformed to of

09/07/2025
Network Space Developments has formally submitted an outline planning application to redevelop the former Cadent Gas Works site on Winwick Road, just north of Warrington town centre.
The plans propose up to 100,000 sq ft of high-quality employment space, intended to accommodate a range of industria