Brussels, 04/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - As part of a series of measures designed to help combat terrorism, the European Commission adopted measures on Friday 4 April aimed at improving controls of explosives for civil use, for example in the mining industry. To prevent theft and ensure the rapid detection of any theft or loss, the new regulations make unique labelling of explosives mandatory throughout the EU. The label will contain information on the country of production or import, the manufacturer and the place of production as well as a unique product code, indicated both in letters and in the form of a bar code. These elements will be affixed to various types of explosives, such as cartridged explosives, two-component explosives, electric, non-electric, electronic and non-electronic detonators, detonation cords, safety fuses, etc. Companies specialising in explosives will have to keep their records for a period of 10 years after deliver of explosives or the last known date after their use, so as to keep a trace of explosives and to be able to identify those holding them at any moment from production and placing on the market to their final use. The measures should make it possible to determine the origin of any explosives stolen or lost, and establish rapidly legitimate possession and the itinerary of explosives. (O.L.)