Illinois § 12-37
Full text of Illinois Illinois Compiled Statutes § 12-37, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-37.
Possession and sale of caustic and noxious substances. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), it is unlawful for any person knowingly to have in his or her possession or to carry about any of the substances which are regulated by Title 16 CFR Section 1500.129 of the Federal Caustic Poison Act and are required to contain the words "causes severe burns" as the affirmative statement of principal hazard on its label. (b) Provided that the product is not used to threaten, intimidate, injure, or cause distress to another, the restrictions of subsection (a) do not apply to: (1) persons while engaged in the legitimate commercial manufacture, distribution, storage, or use of the specified substances; (2) persons while engaged in legitimate scientific or medical research, study, teaching or treatment involving the use of such substances, including without limitation physicians, pharmacists, scientists, teachers, students, and employees of regularly established laboratories, manufacturing and wholesale pharmacies, retail pharmacies, medical treatment facilities, schools, colleges, and universities; (3) persons who have procured any of the specified substances for medicinal purposes upon a prescription of a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches under the Medical Practice Act of 1987; (4) commercial or consumer products that contain any of the specified substances found in subsection (a) including, but not limited to, batteries; (5) production agriculture as defined in Section 3-5 of the Use Tax Act; (6) persons while engaged in the possession or transportation, or both, of a commercial product containing any of the substances specified in subsection (a) for retail sale; (7) persons while engaged in the possession, transportation, or use, unrelated to a retail sale, of any of the substances specified in subsection (a); or (8) persons engaged in the possession, transportation, or use of a commercial product containing any of the substances specified in subsection (a). (c) Sentence. A violation of this Section is a Class 4 felony. (d) The regulation of the possession and carrying of caustic and noxious substances under this Section is an exclusive power and function of the State. A home rule unit may not regulate the possession and carrying of caustic and noxious substances and any ordinance or local law contrary to this Section is declared void. This is a denial and limitation of home rule powers and functions under subsection (h) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution. (Source: P.A. 97-565, eff. 1-1-12.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois § 12-37
What does Illinois Compiled Statutes § 12-37 cover?
Section 12-37 is part of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, the codified statutory law of Illinois. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Illinois § 12-37?
A common citation format is "Illinois Compiled Statutes § 12-37" (Illinois). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Illinois law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Illinois official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Illinois attorney.
How does Illinois § 12-37 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Illinois can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Illinois.