It's a law, but not enforced. Serious makes me angry when people pull this out.
The requirement is when folks buy massive amounts of lab ware and to certify they are not making something like Meth. If you get caught distilling or making illicit drugs, the gear will add onto the charges. Most likely your immersion chiller will be called distillation equipment as well.
I have a buddy in law enforcement that laughs his butt off everytime I mention this - so he pretends to blackmail me for beer.