Mohammed Ammer Ali, 31, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court in central London.
Mr Ali, who was arrested last week, spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth during the three-minute hearing. He will next appear at the Old Bailey on Friday 13 March.
Ali was arrested last Wednesday, when officers from North West Counter Terrorism Unit and Merseyside Police searched five Merseyside addresses. He is accused of attempting to have 500mg of the chemical weapon ricin in his possession between 10 January and 12 February.
A police spokesman said it remained the case that at this time officers had uncovered no plan or threat of an imminent attack either at home or abroad.
