The Marking of Plastic Explosive for Detection Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations.)

1.  These Regulations implement the Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives for the Purpose of Detection, done at Montreal on 1st March 1991. They make provision for ensuring that plastic explosives are marked in such a way that they are detectable.

2.  Regulation 2 provides that a marked explosive is one which contains a detection agent. Regulation 2 and Schedule 1 further provide for the definition of “explosive” and the type and concentration of detection agent which must be contained in an explosive in order for that explosive to be marked.

3.  Regulation 3 prohibits the manufacture of any explosive, the finished product of which is unmarked.

4.  Regulation 4 prohibits the possession and transfer of possession of an unmarked explosive save where the explosive is in the process of being manufactured. There is transitional provision for persons who possess or transfer unmarked explosives manufactured before the Regulations come into force for a period of 3 years after that date.

5.  Regulation 5 prohibits the importation of unmarked explosives.