Civil Explosives Directive Explained
The primary purpose of the Directive is to develop a single market in explosives through the harmonisation of product safety standards. These safety standards are set at a high level of protection, and through these the Directive also contributes towards improving safety in the industry. Finally, the Directive also aims to enhance security in the industry, primarily through improved supervision during the transfer of explosives, and better information sharing between Member States.
In the scope of Civil Explosives Directive 2014/28/EU there are no exclusions for the commercialised explosives manufactured directly in the end-users places with a factory-truck; in the jargon of the sector this is so-called “on site mixing”.
WHICH PRODUCTS ARE COVERED BY THE EXPLOSIVE FOR CIVIL USE DIRECTIVE?
The Explosives for Civil Use Directive 2014/28/EU applies to explosives defined as:
- the materials and articles considered to be such in the United Nations recommendations on the transport of dangerous goods and falling within Class I of those recommendations.
WHICH PRODUCTS ARE NOT COVERED BY THE EXPLOSIVE FOR CIVIL USE DIRECTIVE?
Excluded from the Explosives for Civil Use Directive are:
- explosives, including ammunition, intended for use, in accordance with national law, by the armed forces or the police;
- ammunition, except as provided in Articles 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18 and 19.
HOW TO COMPLY WITH THE EXPLOSIVE FOR CIVIL USE DIRECTIVE:
When dealing with explosives for civil use, the involvement of a Notified Body is obligatory.
Manufacturers can choose between two procedures for assessing the conformity of explosives with the harmonised safety requirements set out in the Directive. The first option is the EC type examination, accompanied by the type conformity (Module C) referred, the production quality assurance procedure Module C or Module E, or by the product verification (Module F).
The second option is the unit verification procedure.
