Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 98/2013 lists explosives precursors which are subject to harmonised rules concerning their availability to the general public and ensuring the appropriate reporting of suspicious transactions, disappearances and thefts throughout the supply chain.

Substances listed in Annex II are available to the members of the general public but are subject to the reporting obligation that covers both professional users throughout the supply chain and members of the general public.

Member States have demonstrated that aluminium powder has been used in, and acquired for, the production of homemade explosives in Europe.

The marketing and use of aluminium powder is currently not harmonised at Union level. However, at least one Member State already limits its availability to the general public, and the World Customs Organisation monitors shipments worldwide to identify instances of illicit trade for the purpose of manufacturing improvised explosives precursors.

Developments in the misuse of aluminium powder do not currently justify restricting access by the members of the general public, in view of the level of threat or the volume of trade associated with this substance.

Increased control is necessary to allow national authorities to prevent and detect the possible illicit use of these substances as explosives precursors, and this can be achieved through the reporting mechanism established under Regulation (EU) No 98/2013.

In the light of the risk posed by the availability of aluminium powder, and considering that the reporting obligation will have no significant impact on economic operators or consumers, it is justified and proportionate to add this substance to Annex II of Regulation (EU) No 98/2013,