Explosives precursors are substances or mixtures (chemicals) that can be used for the illegal manufacture of explosives.
Who is affected by the restriction?
The restriction applies only to ordinary people, i.e. those individuals whose purpose of action is not related to commercial, economic or professional activities. Therefore, the common person may not buy, bring in, possess or use these substances.
Enterprises may not make these substances available to ordinary people for a fee or free of charge. The restriction does not concern transactions between enterprises.
Which products are affected by the restriction?
The restriction concerns products in which the listed substances are present as a pure substance or as a mixture or substance containing it and concentration of which is higher than the corresponding limit.
Explosives precursors, the making available, introduction, possession and use of which are restricted, are the following:
- nitric acid (>3% by weight)
- hydrogen peroxide (>12% by weight)
- sulfuric acid (>15% by weight)
- nitromethane (>16% by weight)
- ammonium nitrate (>16% nitrogen by mass of ammonium nitrate)
- potassium chlorate (>40% by weight)
- potassium perchlorate (>40% by weight)
- sodium chlorate (>40% by weight)
- sodium perchlorate (>40% by weight)
Obligation to report suspicious transactions
Suspicious transactions with the substances listed in the table must be reported to the national contact point of the Police and Border Guard Board at phone numbers 612 3810 or 112 or by e-mail at [email protected].
| Chemical | May be present in these products |
|---|---|
| Hydrogen peroxide | Whiteners, bleaching agents, cleaning agents, disinfectants |
| Nitromethane | Mudelite mootorikütus |
| Nitric acid | Metal handling, etchant |
| Sodium chlorate Potassium chlorate Sodium perchlorate Potassium perchlorate |
In pyrotechnic sets |
| Acetone | Nail polishes, solvents |
| Ammonium nitrate | Fertilisers, cold packs |
| Hexamine | Camping stoves, model vehicles’ steam engines |
| Sulfuric acid | Acid for car batteries, pipe cleaners |
| Potassium nitrate Sodium nitrate Calcium nitrate |
Fertilisers, food preservatives |
| AAmmonium calcium nitrate | Fertilisers |
| Magnesium nitrate hexahydrate | Fertilisers |
| Magnesium, powders Aluminium, powders |
Pyrotechnic sets, metal handling |
A suspicious transaction is a transaction in which there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the substance or mixture is intended to be used for the illegal manufacture of explosives.
A suspicious transaction is primarily when the customer:
- appears unclear about the intended use of the substance or mixture;
- appears unfamiliar with the intended use of the substance or mixture or cannot plausibly explain it;
- intends to buy substances in quantities, combinations or concentrations uncommon for private use;
- is unwilling to provide proof of identity, place of residence; or
- insists on using unusual methods of payment, including large amounts of cash.
Enterprises report the transaction or attempted transaction to the contact point without undue delay, providing the customer's data if possible. Enterprises may reserve the right to refuse a suspicious transaction. The contact point must also be notified of significant disappearances and thefts of substances and mixtures containing these substances.
Transactions with products that contain less than 1% of the chemicals listed in the table are generally not among the transactions that would be important to notify.
Last updated: 28.08.2023
