Explosives Precursors (WPE)x
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Explosives Precursors (WPE)
Regulations on explosives precursors
EU Regulation 2019/1148 has applied to explosives precursors since 1 February 2021. These are chemical raw materials that can be used legitimately, but can also be misused to manufacture explosives. To limit that risk, the regulations impose requirements on the sale, availability, registration and reporting of certain substances and mixtures.
Two lists of substances under the regulations
Disclaimer: The lists of substances below are for information only. DutchChems is not liable for changes, inaccuracies or omissions in these lists. Always consult the official publications of the Dutch government or the NCTV for the current regulations.
The regulations on explosives precursors distinguish between restricted substances and substances subject to a reporting obligation. These substances are included in two separate lists. Different obligations apply to suppliers and users for each list.
List 1: restricted explosives precursors
Substances on List 1 are subject to sales restrictions. Depending on the substance, concentration and customer category, additional checks or a licence may be required.
- We must verify the customer’s identity.
- We must determine whether a licence is required.
- When a licence is required, it must be verified before delivery.
- We must record certain customer and transaction data and retain it for 18 months.
- Suspicious transactions, theft and loss must be reported within 24 hours.
- Business customers must be informed when a product is covered by these regulations.
- Staff involved in sales or processing must be instructed about the applicable obligations.
| Name of substance | Threshold above which a licence is required | Threshold above which no licence is granted |
|---|---|---|
| Nitric acid | 3% w/w | 10% w/w |
| Hydrogen peroxide | 12% w/w | 35% w/w |
| Sulphuric acid | 15% w/w | 40% w/w |
| Nitromethane | 16% w/w | 100% w/w |
| Ammonium nitrate1 | 16% w/w nitrogen in relation to ammonium nitrate | No licences may be granted |
| Potassium chlorate | 40% w/w | No licences may be granted |
| Potassium perchlorate | 40% w/w | No licences may be granted |
| Sodium chlorate | 40% w/w | No licences may be granted |
| Sodium perchlorate | 40% w/w | No licences may be granted |
1 16% w/w nitrogen in relation to ammonium nitrate corresponds to 45.7% ammonium nitrate after removal of impurities.
List 2: explosives precursors subject to a reporting obligation
Substances on List 2 do not require a licence as those on List 1 do. However, obligations concerning reporting, information provision and internal instruction do apply.
- Suspicious transactions, theft and loss must be reported within 24 hours.
- Business customers must be informed when a product is covered by these regulations.
- Staff involved in sales or processing must be instructed about the applicable obligations.
| Name of substance |
|---|
| Hexamine |
| Aceton |
| Potassium nitrate |
| Sodium nitrate |
| Calcium nitrate |
| Calcium ammonium nitrate |
| Magnesium, powders2 and 3 |
| Magnesium nitrate hexahydrate |
| Aluminium, powders2 and 3 |
2 With a particle size of less than 200 µm.
3 As a substance or in mixtures containing at least 70% w/w aluminium or magnesium.
What does this mean for your order?
When a product is covered by the regulations on explosives precursors, additional information may be required before it can be ordered. Depending on the substance, concentration and customer category, we may ask for the intended use, company details or a valid licence.
If additional information or documentation is required, this is indicated automatically on the product page or during checkout. The product can only be added to the cart once all mandatory information has been provided.
This allows the required information to be checked for each product. You therefore do not have to determine in advance which obligations apply to a specific substance.
Registration, privacy and reporting obligations
For explosives precursors, we are required to record customer and transaction data and retain it for 18 months. This data is processed only to the extent necessary to comply with the legal obligations concerning explosives precursors.
The processing of personal data is carried out in accordance with our privacy policy. We are also required to report suspicious transactions, significant disappearances and theft of explosives precursors to the Suspicious Transactions Chemicals reporting point.
