Commission Directive 2008/43/ECShow full title

CHAPTER 2 PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Article 3 Unique identification

1. Member States shall ensure that undertakings in the explosives sector which manufacture or import explosives or assemble detonators shall mark explosives and each smallest packaging unit with a unique identification.

Where an explosive is subject to further manufacturing processes, manufacturers shall not be required to mark the explosive with a new unique identification unless the original unique identification is no longer marked in compliance with Article 4.

2. Paragraph 1 shall not apply where the explosive is manufactured for export and is marked with an identification in accordance with the requirements of the importing country, which allows traceability of the explosive.

3. The unique identification shall comprise the components described in the Annex.

4. Each manufacturing site shall be attributed a three-digit code by the national authority of the Member States where it is established.

5. Where the manufacturing site is located outside the Community, the manufacturer being established in the Community shall contact a national authority of the Member State of import in order for the manufacturing site to be attributed a code.

Where the manufacturing site is located outside the Community and the manufacturer is not established in the Community, the importer of the explosives concerned shall contact a national authority of the Member State of import in order for the manufacturing site to be attributed a code.

6. Member States shall ensure that distributors which repackage explosives make sure that the unique identification is affixed to the explosive and the smallest packaging unit.

Article 4 Marking and affixation

The unique identification shall be marked on or firmly affixed to the article concerned in a durable way and so as to ensure that it is clearly legible.

Article 5 Cartridged explosives and explosives in sacks

For cartridged explosives and explosives in sacks, the unique identification shall consist of an adhesive label or direct printing on each cartridge or sack. An associated label shall be placed on each case of cartridges.

In addition, undertakings may use a passive inert electronic tag attached to each cartridge or sack and similarly, an associated electronic tag for each case of cartridges.

Article 6 Two-component explosives

For packaged two-component explosives, the unique identification shall consist of an adhesive label or direct printing on each smallest packaging unit containing the two components.

Article 7 Plain detonators and fuses

For plain detonators or fuses, the unique identification shall consist of an adhesive label or direct printing or stamping on the detonator shell. An associated label shall be placed on each case of detonators or fuses.

In addition, undertakings may use a passive inert electronic tag attached to each detonator or fuse, and an associated tag for each case of detonators or fuses.

Article 8 Electric, non-electric and electronic detonators

For electric, non-electric and electronic detonators, the unique identification shall consist either of an adhesive label on the wires or tube, or an adhesive label or direct printing or stamping on the detonator shell. An associated label shall be placed on each case of detonators.

In addition, undertakings may use a passive inert electronic tag attached to each detonator, and an associated tag for each case of detonators.

Article 9 Primers and boosters

For primers and boosters, the unique identification shall consist of an adhesive label or direct printing on the primer or booster. An associated label shall be placed on each case of primers or boosters.

In addition, undertakings may use a passive inert electronic tag attached to each primer or booster, and an associated tag for each case of primers or boosters.

Article 10 Detonating cords and safety fuses

For detonating cords and safety fuses, the unique identification shall consist of an adhesive label or direct printing on the bobbin. The unique identification will be marked every 5 meters on either the external envelope of the cord or fuse or the plastic extruded inner layer immediately under the exterior fibre of the cord or fuse. An associated label shall be placed on each case of detonating cord or fuse.

In addition, undertakings may use a passive inert electronic tag inserted within the cord, and an associated tag for each case of cord or fuse.

Article 11 Cans and drums containing explosives

For cans and drums containing explosives, the unique identification shall consist of an adhesive label or direct printing on the can or drum containing the explosives.

In addition, undertakings may use a passive inert electronic tag attached to each can and drum.

Article 12 Copies of the original label

Undertakings may attach adhesive detachable copies of the original label to the explosives for use by their clients. Those copies shall be visibly marked as copies of the original to prevent misuse.