Are Poppers legal in the UK?

Understanding the law, are Poppers legal in the UK?

If you’ve ever typed “are poppers legal in the UK” into a search engine, you’re not alone. With conflicting headlines, changing laws, and a long history of debates, it’s no surprise that people are confused about the legal status of poppers in the UK. Whether you're a long-time customer or simply curious, this article will break down everything you need to know about UK poppers law in 2025. But if you don’t want to read the whole article, the answer is yes. Poppers are legal in the UK.

Legality around poppers in the UK

It’s not quite that simple. The law around poppers has been a subject of debate, particularly following the introduction of the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. Initially, there were concerns that poppers would be banned under this legislation, which made it illegal to produce or supply any substance intended to produce a psychoactive effect.

However, after significant research, public outcry and lobbying—especially from the LGBTQ+ community and sexual health professionals—the government clarified the law. In 2016, then-Minister for Crime Prevention Karen Bradley confirmed that alkyl nitrites were not covered by the Act because these room aromas do not affect the brain's central nervous system in the same way other psychoactive substances do.

As of 2025, poppers or room aromas remain legal to buy, sell, and use in the UK, provided they are sold as not-for-human-consumption products.

How are poppers sold in the UK?

You can buy poppers in the UK, both in stores and online. They are also sold under names such as:

• Room Odourises
• Leather Cleaners
• Room Aromas

You will mostly find them in 10ml and 25ml round or square bottles. With various manufacturers in the UK, you will find plenty of brands that have been imported. All of which are, of course, available in our Popper Shop.  

Can you legally buy poppers online?

Absolutely. Many UK-based online retailers specialise in poppers and related products. As long as the seller complies with local laws.

When buying room aromas online, ensure the retailer is UK-based. Importing poppers from outside the UK, especially from countries with different regulations, can lead to complications with customs or postal deliveries.

You will also find that reputable online retailers do not ship outside the UK. This is because the legal status of room aromas varies per region.

Are there any restrictions or age limits?

Although there is no specific age restriction written into law for buying poppers, most responsible retailers impose a minimum age requirement of 18, mirroring the standard for other adult lifestyle products. This is especially true online, where age verification systems are often in place.

Have poppers ever been banned in the UK?

No, poppers have never been explicitly banned in the UK. However, they came close during the drafting of the Psychoactive Substances Act. Thanks to deep research, strong public debate and expert input, poppers were given a legal reprieve. Thorough research and expert input ensured that room aromas remain legal.

Are poppers legal in other countries?

Laws on poppers vary widely across the globe. Some countries have similar regulations to the UK, whilst others are a bit stricter. Again, we would advise purchasing only from reputable stores or online platforms like ours. The Popper Super Shop has been around for many years, providing thousands of happy customers with great room aromas. You can always check product reviews to see how satisfied customers are. This is a great way to check if you can trust a store. If online shopping is not your thing, then try your nearest reputable adult store. Their collection might be less varied, but they are likely to have something for you. 

Final Word: Are poppers legal in the UK in 2025?

To sum it up: Yes, poppers are legal in the UK. So, with that knowledge in your back pocket, we hope you enjoy our store and all the products that we have available. All orders are discreetly packaged, and we offer fast shipping to the UK only.

If you still have any questions about the legality of poppers, feel free to contact us. Our contact details are at the bottom of this page. We have a great team of people who are happy to respond to your email or answer your call.

 

The team at PopperSuperShop.