ITOER - Technical requirements

Marking of explosives in scope - applies from 5 April 2013

ITOER 2013 requires explosive items to be marked with a unique identification. These requirements apply to manufacturers and importers.

If distributors repackage an explosive, they will need to ensure that the explosive item has the unique identification affixed, and any associated label or passive inert electronic tag attached, in accordance with the relevant requirements of the Regulations.

Different marking requirements apply depending on the size of the explosive.

If the explosives are subject to further manufacturing, a new identification is not needed unless the original identification is no longer legible.

Applications for GB and NI site codes are issued by HSE and can be submitted to explosives.licensing@hse.gsi.gov.uk

Unique identification requirements

ITOER 2013 provides a graduated approach to marking the unique identification depending on the size of the explosive.

1. All civil use explosives must be marked with a uinique identification, as follows:
   1. A human readable part detailing:
      • Name of the manufacturer
      • Alphanumeric code containing
        • Two letters identifying the member state, e.g. AT = Austria
        • Three digits identifying the manufacturing site (site codes available from HSE (explosives.licensing@hse.gsi.gov.uk)
        • The unique product code and logistical information designed by the manufacturer
          For example:
          SAMPLE AT 123 001002X
          And
          
   2. An electronic readable identification barcode and/ or matrix code that relates to the Alphanumeric code, e.g. +++++TIFF+++++.
2. If an explosive is too small to mark with the unique product code and logistical information designed by the manufacturer, it only needs to be marked with
   1. A human readable part detailing:
      • Two letters identifying the member state, e.g. AT = Austria
      • Three digits identifying the manufacturing site
        For example:
        AT 123
        and
   2. An electronic readable identification barcode and/or matrix code that relates to the alphanumeric code, e.g. +++++TIFF+++++.

3. If the explosive is too small, or where it is technically impossible due to their shape or design, to mark the information outlined in 2 (above), the unique identification should be fixed on the smallest packaging unit (SPU). The unique identification is the full identification referred to in 1, above. The SPU must be closed with a seal.

   Each plain detonator or booster which falls under 3 (above) must still be marked in a legible way, with two letters identifying the member state, e.g. AT = Austria, and three digits identifying the manufacturing site.  The number of plain detonators or boosters must then be marked on the SPU along with the full identification referred to in 1, above.

   Detonating cords which fall under 3 (above) must have the full unique identification on the reel or spool, and any SPU.

Marking of specific explosives with the unique identification

The extent of the unique identification will depend on the size of explosive (see 1-3 above).

The marking must be firmly affixed to the article in a durable and legible way.

Manufacturers, importers or distributors could attach adhesive detachable copies of the original label to the explosives for use by their clients. It must be clear that these are copies to prevent misuse.

The explosives, below, require the full unique identification if they do not fall within the small explosives derogations referred to in 2 and 3 above:

Cartridges explosives and explosives in sacks

The unique identification must be on an adhesive label, or direct printing, on each cartridge or sack and an associated label on each case of cartridges.

A passive inert electronic tag could also be attached to each cartridge or sack and with each case of cartridges.

Two component explosives

The unique identification must be on an adhesive label or direct printing on each SPU containing the two components.

Plain detonators

The unique identification must be on an adhesive label, or direct printing or stamping, on the detonator shell.

An associated label must be placed on each case of detonators.

A passive inert electronic tag could also be attached to each detonator and an associated tag attached to each case of detonators.

Electric, non-electric and electronic detonators

The unique identification must be on an adhesive label on the wires or tubes, or an adhesive label, or direct printing or stamping, on the detonator shell.

An associated label must be placed on each case of detonators.

A passive inert electronic tag could also be attached to each detonator and an associated tag attached to each case of detonators.

Primers (excluding cap type primers as set out in Article 1 (f) Directive 2012/4/EU) and boosters

The unique identification must be on an adhesive label, or direct printing, on the primer or booster.

An associated label must be placed on each case of primers or boosters.

A passive inert electronic tag could also be attached to each primer or booster and an associated tag attached to each case of primers or boosters.

Detonating cords

The unique identification must be on an adhesive label, or direct printing, on the bobbin. The unique identification must be marked every 5 metres on either the external envelope of the cord or the plastic extruded inner layer immediately under the exterior fibre of the cord. The unique identification must also be on an associated label on each case of detonating cord.

A passive inert electronic tag could also be inserted within the cord and an associated tag attached to each case of cord.

Cans, boxes and drums containing explosives

The unique identification must be on an adhesive label, or direct printing, on the can, box, or drum containing the explosive.

A passive inert electronic tag could also be attached to each can, box or drum.