Brussels, 19/07/2005 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday, the European Commission set out in a communication suggestions of ways to ensure greater security of explosives, detonators, bomb-making equipment and firearms. The Commission above all plans to restrict the sale of ammonium nitrate-based fertiliser to authorised persons only, after proof that it will be used for agricultural purposes only. It may also advocate that companies using this kind of fertiliser should, as an obligation, notify any suspect transactions. Furthermore, the Member States could be encouraged to take similar measures for other kinds of fertiliser also.
The Commission provides for all parties concerned to come together (manufacturers and dealers in explosives, Europol and SitCen experts, etc.) to help in the development of an EU plan for ensuring greater security of explosives and firearms and for ensuring traceability throughout the chain from production to sales. The Commission thus recommends that the cost/advantage ratio for the electromagnetic marking of explosives be assessed in order to allow investigators to trace the origin. It also suggests one should consider marking detonators. The Commission is currently working with experts from the committee on aviation safety (AVSEC) on the control of equipment for the detection of explosives and firearms in airports, and will launch a more general analysis of detection techniques. It calls for a network of specialised police forces, and for Europol and its database on explosives to be put to better use.
Also, the Commission will address recommendations to Member Sates to improve the security of companies that store explosives, and will strengthen measures already taken for ensuring security in the transport of explosives.