Harmonisation of explosives standards in Europe

Directive 93/15/EEC is a classical “new approach” Directive, which as part of the Single European Act initiative of 1992 sought to remove barriers to trade. The Directive will not be fully in force until the 1 st January 2003, after which time all explosives products placed on the market within the EU will be obliged to have a “CE mark”. The “CE mark” will be awarded by Bodies notified to the Commission as being competent to examine products and verify their ability to meet the Essential Safety Requirements of the Directive. CEN/TC 321 has been mandated to produce Harmonised Tests and Criteria for Explosives in Europe. The author has been the Chairman of TC 321 since its inception. This paper discusses work of harmonisation of explosives standards in Europe and also examines the practical effects of the Directive on the explosives industry.