Source: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/cy/nisr/2014/224/data.xht?view=snippet&wrap=true
Timestamp: 2019-10-20 23:29:28
Document Index: 486141317

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 2', 'art 2', 'ART 2', 'art 12', 'art 6', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'ART 3', 'ART 4', 'ART 5', 'ART 6', 'ART 7', 'art 3', 'ART 8', 'art 3', 'art 3']

The Secretary of State makes these Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by articles 3(1)(c), (2) and (4), 17, 40(2), (3) and (4), 54(1), (2)(b) and (3), and 55(2) of, and paragraphs 1(1) and (4), 2, 3, 5, 14(1), 15 and 22 of Schedule 3 to, the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 F1, which are exercisable by the Secretary of State in relation to explosives, with modifications, by paragraph 4 of Schedule 12 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 F2.
In accordance with Articles 46(1) and 54(5) of the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 F3, as so applied and modified, the Secretary of State has consulted with the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland and such other bodies as appear to the Secretary of State to be appropriate.
1.—(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Control of Explosives Precursors etc. Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014.
(2) These Regulations come into force on 2nd September 2014.
“the 1978 Order” means the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 F4;
“acquiring” means taking into your possession, custody or control;
“authorised officer” means a person authorised by the Chief Constable F5 under regulation 27(2);
“the CLP Regulation” means Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, amending and repealing Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC, and amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 F6, as amended from time to time;
“designated area” means any area designated by Order under section 1(7) of the Continental Shelf Act 1964 F7 and “within a designated area” includes over and under it F8;
“EEA State” means, at any time—
any other state which at that time is a party to the agreement on the European Economic Area signed at Oporto on 2nd May 1992, together with the Protocol adjusting that Agreement signed at Brussels on 17th March 1993 F9, as modified or supplemented from time to time;
“importing into Northern Ireland” includes importing into any part of the territorial sea (notwithstanding regulation 17) F10;
“licence” (unless otherwise indicated) means a licence granted under regulation 5;
“member of the general public” means an individual F11 who is acting for purposes not connected with that individual's trade, business or profession (and a trade, business or profession may include the performance of a function of a public nature within the meaning of section 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998 F12);
“member State” has the same meaning as in Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the European Communities Act 1972 F13;
“organisation” means any body corporate and any combination of persons or other unincorporated association;
“possessing” means having in your possession, custody or control;
“the Precursors Regulation” means Regulation (EU) No 98/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2013 on the marketing and use of explosives precursors F14, as amended from time to time;
“public place” means any place to which at the material time the public or any section of the public has access, on payment or otherwise, as of right or by virtue of express or implied permission (including any road within the meaning of the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993 F15);
“recognised non-NI licence” has the same meaning as in regulation 11;
“responsible person” has the same meaning as in regulation 6;
“supply” includes supply to another person—
in return for payment or free of charge;
for the purpose of the safe disposal of the substance;
“transport” means transfer or conveyance; and
“using” includes processing, formulating, storing, treating or mixing, including in the production of an article.
(2) The Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 F16 applies to these Regulations as it applies to an Act of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
F4S.I. 1978/1039 (N.I. 9); relevant amendments are referenced in these Regulations.
F5The terms “Chief Constable”, “constable”, “police officer” and “police support staff” are defined in section 43 of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954.
F6OJ No L 353, 31.12.2008, p1.
F71964 c. 29; section 1(7) was amended by section 37 of, and paragraph 1 of Schedule 3 to, the Oil and Gas (Enterprise) Act 1982 (c. 23) and section 103 of the Energy Act 2011 (c. 16).
F8The law in force in Northern Ireland applies for the determination of such questions arising out of acts or omissions taking place in the “Northern Irish area”, which comprises the part of the area designated by S.I. 1968/891 which lies west of the “Northern Irish border” (see S.I. 1980/184).
F9OJ No L 1, 03/01/1994, p. 3, and OJ No L 1, 03/01/1994, p. 572.
F10Under the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978, “Northern Ireland” includes the territorial sea adjacent to Northern Ireland.
F11“Individual” means a natural person and does not include a corporation (section 46 of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954).
F12Section 6 was amended by paragraph 1 of Schedule 18 to the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4).
F131972 c. 68; Part 2 of Schedule 1 was amended by paragraph 1 of Schedule 1 to the European Union (Amendment) Act 2008 (c. 7).
F14OJ L 39, 9.2.2013, p. 1–11.
F15S.I. 1993/3160; there are no relevant amendments.
F161954 c. 33 (N.I.)
PART 2 N.I.Control of tier 1 substances and tier 2 substances
(c)imports the substance into Northern Ireland F17;
(a)any department under the control of a Minister of the Crown (within the meaning of the Ministers of the Crown Act 1975 F18);
F17Under the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978, and these Regulations, “Northern Ireland” includes the territorial sea adjacent to Northern Ireland.
F181975 c. 26; there are no relevant amendments.
(2) A “tier 2 substance” means a “restricted explosives precursor”F19 within the meaning of Article 3 of the Precursors Regulation, but in each case only if the substance or mixture is not a tier 1 substance.
F19Under Article 3(10) of the Precursors Regulation, a “restricted explosives precursor” means a substance listed in Annex I to the Precursors Regulation in a concentration higher than the corresponding limit value set out for that substance in that Annex, and includes a mixture or another substance in which the substance listed in that Annex is present in a concentration higher than the corresponding limit value, but in each case only if the substance or mixture is not excluded by Article 2(2) of the Precursors Regulation. Article 2(2) excludes: (a) any article, defined as an object which during production is given a special shape, surface or design which determines its function to a greater degree than does its chemical composition; (b) an article containing explosive substances or an explosive mixture of substances designed to produce heat, light, sound, gas or smoke or a combination of such effects through self-sustained exothermic chemical reactions, including (i) pyrotechnic equipment falling within the scope of Council Directive 96/98/EC (OJ L 46, 17/02/1997, p. 25–56) on marine equipment, and (ii) percussion caps intended specifically for toys falling within the scope of Council Directive 88/378/EEC (OJ L 187, 16/07/1988, p. 1–13) concerning the safety of toys; and (c) medicinal products, which in Northern Ireland will mean: (i) a medicinal product within the meaning of regulation 2 of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1916), (ii) an investigational medicinal product within the meaning of regulation 2 of the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1031), (iii) a substance to which Part 12 of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 or Part 6 of the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004 applies by virtue of an order under section 104 or 105 of the Medicines Act 1968 (c. 67) (whether applying subject to exceptions or notifications or not and, in the case of an order under section 104, whether the substance is referred to in the order as a substance or an article), or (iv) a veterinary medicinal product within the meaning of regulation 2 of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/2033).
(a)a valid United Kingdom passport, within the meaning of section 33(1) of the Immigration Act 1971 F20;
(e)a valid UK biometric immigration document, issued in accordance with regulations made under section 5 of the UK Borders Act 2007 F21; or
(f)a valid electoral identity card issued in accordance with section 13C of the Representation of the People Act 1983 F22.
(a)the carrying out of any investigations or checks that the Secretary of State thinks appropriate in order to decide the application; F23...
“electronic signature” has the same meaning as in section 7(2) of the Electronic Communications Act 2000 F24;
“parent or guardian” means a person who has who has parental responsibility for a child, within the meaning of Part 2 of the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 F25; F26...
F201971 c. 77; this definition was inserted by paragraph 7 of Schedule 4 to the British Nationality Act 1981 (c. 61) and amended by section 1(2) of the British Overseas Territories Act 2002 (c. 8).
F212007 c. 30. Section 5 of the UK Borders Act 2007 gives the Secretary of State power to make regulations concerning biometric immigration documents. The Secretary of State has the power to issue a biometric immigration document under regulation 13 of the Immigration (Biometric Registration) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/3048). Regulation 13 has been amended by S.I. 2009/819 and S.I. 2012/594.
F221983 c. 2; section 13C was inserted by section 4 of the Electoral Fraud (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 (c. 13) and amended by section 17 of the Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 (c. 13).
F23Reg. 6(9)(b) and word omitted (25.5.2018) by virtue of Data Protection Act 2018 (c. 12), s. 212(1), Sch. 19 para. 382(a) (with ss. 117, 209, 210); S.I. 2018/625, reg. 2(1)(g)
F242000 c. 7.
F25S.I. 1995/755; Part 2 was amended by section 1 of the Family Law Act (Northern Ireland) 2001 (c. 12); section 199 of the Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33); paragraph 94 of Schedule 5 to the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4); paragraphs 71 and 72 of Schedule 6, and paragraph 1 of Schedule 8, to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (c. 22); and paragraph 24 of Schedule 6 to the Welfare Reform Act 2009 (c. 24) (not yet in force).
F26Words in reg. 6(11) omitted (25.5.2018) by virtue of Data Protection Act 2018 (c. 12), s. 212(1), Sch. 19 para. 382(b) (with ss. 117, 209, 210); S.I. 2018/625, reg. 2(1)(g)
PART 3 N.I.Obligations on licence holders
General obligationsN.I.
8.—(1) A licence holder must, on request by the Secretary of State or an authorised officer—
(a)provide the licence for inspection;
(b)permit inspection of any tier 1 substance or tier 2 substance covered by the licence;
(c)permit inspection of the location where the substance is stored; and
(d)provide information in relation to any of the matters in regulation 5(6) or any terms and conditions of the licence.
(2) A licence holder must notify to the Secretary of State as soon as reasonably practicable if the licence holder becomes aware of—
(a)the loss or theft of the licence;
(b)a change of address of the licence holder or the responsible person;
(c)the charge or conviction of the licence holder or the responsible person of any criminal offence, whether in Northern Ireland, elsewhere in the United Kingdom, or in any other place; and
(d)any change that would reasonably affect any of the matters in regulation 5(6) or any terms and conditions of the licence.
(3) A licence holder must return the licence to the Secretary of State immediately on its expiry.
(4) A licence holder must provide the licence for inspection when requested to do so by a person from whom the licence holder seeks to acquire a tier 1 substance or a tier 2 substance (see regulations 12 and 13).
(5) A licence holder must immediately return any licence that has been amended, varied, suspended or revoked to the Secretary of State.
Tier 1 substances: consent to acquisition, transport and importN.I.
9.—(1) A licence holder must not acquire, transport through any public place in Northern Ireland or import into Northern Ireland more than 500 grams by weight or 500 millilitres by measure of a tier 1 substance, or undertake to do so, unless—
(a)the licence holder has applied in writing F27 for the consent of the Chief Constable; and
(b)the Chief Constable has given consent in writing.
(2) An application under paragraph (1)(a) is valid only if it—
(a)is in a form approved by the Secretary of State;
(b)contains such information as may be required by the form;
(c)in the case of acquisition, contains the name and address of the proposed supplier; and
(d)includes the signature of—
(ii)in the case of an application by an organisation, the responsible person.
(3) An application under paragraph (1)(a) must be made—
(a)not less than 14 days before the date on which the acquisition, transport or import is to take place; or
(b)if that is not reasonably practicable, by a later date as agreed by the Chief Constable.
(4) Consent under paragraph (1)(b)—
(a)must be in a form approved by the Secretary of State;
(b)in the case of acquisition, must include the name and address of the proposed supplier;
(c)may include such conditions relating to transport, storage or use of the tier 1 substance as the Chief Constable thinks fit; and
(d)may be withdrawn by the Chief Constable by notice to the applicant (which may include notifying the applicant orally if notice in writing is not reasonably practicable).
(a)Forensic Science Northern Ireland; and
F27“Writing” includes include words typewritten, printed, painted, engraved, lithographed, photographed or represented or reproduced by any mode of representing or reproducing words in a visible form (section 46, Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954).
Tier 1 substances: record keepingN.I.
10.—(1) A person who holds a licence in respect of a tier 1 substance must complete a record in respect of each supply, acquisition and import into Northern Ireland of a tier 1 substance carried out under the licence, which contains—
(b)the nature and quantity of the tier 1 substance;
(c)whether the transaction is acquisition, supply or import into Northern Ireland;
(d)the name and address of any person—
(i)from whom the licence holder has acquired the tier 1 substance, or
(ii)to whom the licence holder has supplied the tier 1 substance; and
(e)the matters required to be included by regulation 12(8) (where applicable).
(2) The record kept in accordance with the paragraph (1) must—
(a)be completed by the licence holder at the time of the transaction;
(b)include a separate entry for each substance in each transaction;
(c)be retained by the licence holder for a period of two years; and
(d)be provided to the Secretary of State or an authorised officer for inspection on request.
(3) A person who holds a licence in respect of a tier 1 substance must retain for a period of two years, and produce to the Secretary of State or an authorised officer for inspection on request, any invoice, consignment note, receipt and consent relating to any supply, acquisition, import into Northern Ireland, disposal or transport of a tier 1 substance to which the licence holder is a party.
PART 4 N.I.Recognised non-NI licences
Recognised non-NI licencesN.I.
11.—(1) The Secretary of State must publish a list from time to time of recognised member States (if any).
(2) A member State is “recognised” for these purposes if licences granted by the competent authority of that State in accordance with the Precursors Regulation are recognised in the United Kingdom under Article 7(6) of that Regulation.
(3) References in these Regulations to a “recognised non-NI licence” are to—
(a)a licence granted under relevant Great Britain legislation; or
(b)a licence granted in accordance with the Precursors Regulation by the competent authority of a member State that is included in the list (or latest list) published under paragraph (1).
(4) “Relevant Great Britain legislation” means any Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom, or any instrument made under such an Act, that implements the Precursors Regulation in Great Britain.
PART 5 N.I.Supply of substances
Supply of tier 1 substancesN.I.
(5) Notwithstanding the prohibition in Article 4(1) of the Precursors Regulation F28, a person (“S”) may supply EU restricted sodium chlorate to a member of the general public (“MGP”) by despatch to Great Britain or by export from the United Kingdom to another member State only if MGP provides for inspection—
F28Article 4(1) of the Precursors Regulation provides that restricted explosives precursors shall not be supplied, whether in return for payment or free of charge, to members of the general public (in any member State).
Supply of tier 2 substancesN.I.
Supply of tier 1 substances for despatch or export: consentN.I.
14.—(1) This regulation applies where the supply of a tier 1 substance involves—
(a)despatch to Great Britain; or
(b)export from the United Kingdom (whether to another member State or any other place).
(2) Where this regulation applies, a person (“S) must not supply a tier 1 substance to a person (“P”), or undertake to do so, unless—
(a)S has applied in writing for the consent of the Chief Constable; and
(3) An application under paragraph (2)(a) is valid only if it—
(c)contains P's name and address; and
(i)S, and
(ii)where S is an organisation, the responsible person.
(4) An application under paragraph (2)(a) must be made—
(a)not less than 14 days before the date on which the supply is to take place; or
(5) Consent under paragraph (2)(b)—
(b)must include P's name and address;
(c)may include such conditions relating to transport through any public place in Northern Ireland or export of the tier 1 substance as the Chief Constable thinks fit; and
Labelling: Annex I substancesN.I.
15.—(1) This regulation applies to the label required to be affixed by Article 5 of the Precursors Regulation.
(2) The label must state that the acquisition, possession or use of the substance by the general public is restricted.
(3) The label must be in English, whether or not it is also in another language.
(4) The label must be applied in accordance with Article 31(1), (3) and (5) of the CLP Regulation (reading references to Article 17(1) as a reference to Article 5 of the Precursors Regulation and references to this Chapter as references to Article 31(1) and (3) of the CLP Regulation) F29.
F29If the substances are also required to be labelled under the CLP Regulation, Article 32(6) of that Regulation will apply in relation to the location of the information on the label, relative to other required information.
PART 6 N.I.False statements
False statements, etc.N.I.
16.—(1) A person must not knowingly or recklessly make a statement which is false—
(a)in an application for a licence under regulation 6(1);
(b)in purported compliance with a requirement to furnish any information to the Secretary of State, the Chief Constable or an authorised officer pursuant to regulation 6, 7, 8 or 9; or
(c)in an application for consent under regulation 9(1)(a) or 14(2)(a).
(2) A person must not intentionally make a false entry, or remove or omit to include an entry required to be kept, in a record—
(a)required to be kept under regulation 10; or
(b)completed under regulation 12(7) or 13(3).
(3) A person must not possess or use any of the following documents with intent to deceive—
(a)a licence issued under regulation 5;
(b)a recognised non-NI licence;
(c)a document giving consent under regulation 9(1)(b) or 14(2)(b); or
(d)a document so closely resembling a document under sub-paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) as to be calculated to deceive.
PART 7 N.I.Application, enforcement and supplemental
Application within the territorial sea and a designated areaN.I.
17. These Regulations apply within the territorial sea and a designated area only to and in relation to the possession, acquisition, use or supply of a substance on premises to which, or in relation to which, any of paragraphs 2 to 8 of Schedule 2 applies.
Application of enforcement provisions in the 1978 OrderN.I.
18.—(1) The following provisions of the 1978 Order F30 apply to Articles 4(1), 5, 9(3) and 9(4) of the Precursors Regulation as if they were health and safety regulations for the purposes of the 1978 Order, except that these Articles shall not apply to duties placed by the Precursors Regulation on the competent authority or the member State—
(a)Articles 20 to 30 (enforcement; obtaining and disclosure of information);
(b)subject to regulations 20 to 22, Articles 31 to 39 (provisions as to offences);
(c)Article 43(2) (civil liability).
(2) Any function of the Secretary of State under any other provision of the 1978 Order in respect of health and safety regulations (including their enforcement) is exercisable as if the Precursors Regulation were health and safety regulations for the purposes of that Order.
F30Articles 20 to 39 were amended by Part 3 of the Schedule to the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981 (c. 45); S.I. 1984/1159 (N.I. 9); S.I. 1986/1883 (N.I. 15); S.I. 1987/2049 (N.I. 20); S.I. 1988/595 (N.I. 3); S.I. 1992/1728 (N.I. 17); S.I. 1998/2795 (N.I. 18); paragraph 27 of Schedule 29 to the Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33); paragraph 19 of Schedule 4 to the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005 (c. 11); S.I. 2006/1254 (N.I. 9); S.I. 2006/3336 (N.I. 21); section 1 of, and Schedule 3 to, the Health and Safety (Offences) Act 2008 (c. 20).
(b)the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, where the substance is supplied in or from premises which are registered under section 75 of the Medicines Act 1968 F31.
F311968 c.67: section 75(8) was amended by S.I. 1968/1699.
20.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), in any proceedings for an offence under Article 31 of the 1978 Order for a contravention of regulations 13 or 15, or of Articles 5, 9(3) or 9(4) of the Precursors Regulation (by virtue of regulation 18), it is a defence for the person charged (“P”) to prove—
(a)that the commission of the offence was due to the act or default of another person, not being one of P's employees (the “other person”); and
(b)that P took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence to avoid the commission of the offence.
(2) P is not, without the leave of the court, entitled to rely on the defence in paragraph (1) unless, not less than 7 days before the hearing, P has served on the prosecutor a notice in writing giving such information identifying or assisting in the identification of the other person as was then in P's possession.
Proof of lack of knowledgeN.I.
21.—(1) Subject to paragraph (3), in any proceedings for an Article 4(1) offence or a regulation 13 offence, it is a defence for the accused to prove that the accused neither knew of nor suspected nor had reason to suspect the existence of some fact alleged by the prosecution that it is necessary to prove if the accused is to be convicted of the offence charged.
(2) Paragraph (3) applies where, in any proceedings for an Article 4(1) offence or a regulation 13 offence—
(a)it is necessary, if the accused is to be convicted of the offence charged, for the prosecution to prove that some substance or mixture involved in the alleged offence was the tier 2 substance that the prosecution allege it to have been, and
(b)it is proved that the substance or mixture in question was that tier 2 substance.
(a)the accused must not be acquitted of the offence charged by reason only of proving that the accused neither knew nor suspected nor had reason to suspect that the substance or mixture was the particular tier 2 substance alleged, but
(i)the accused proves that the accused neither believed nor suspected nor had reason to suspect that the substance or mixture was a tier 2 substance, or
(ii)the accused proves that the accused believed the substance or mixture to be a tier 2 substance such that, if it had in fact been that tier 2 substance, the accused would not at the material time have been committing any offence to which this regulation applies.
“an Article 4(1) offence” means an offence under Article 31 of the 1978 Order for a contravention of Article 4(1) of the Precursors Regulation (by virtue of regulation 18); and
“a regulation 13 offence” means an offence under Article 31 of the 1978 Order for a contravention of regulation 13.
General defencesN.I.
Review of the regulationsN.I.
25.—(1) The Secretary of State must from time to time—
(2) In carrying out the review the Secretary of State must, so far as is reasonable, have regard to how other member States have implemented the Precursors Regulation, which these Regulations implement in part.
(4) The first report under this regulation must be published before the end of the period of four years beginning with the day on which these Regulations come into force.
Provision of documentsN.I.
26.—(1) The Secretary of State may provide in guidance under regulation 24 that the requirement in regulation 6(4)(a) to provide a document is satisfied by the provision of a copy of the document.
(2) Guidance mentioned in paragraph (1) does not prevent the Secretary of State from requiring the original document to be provided on request.
(3) Paragraph (4) applies where a document is required to be provided to a person (“S”) for inspection under regulation 12(1)(b), 12(5)(b) or 13(1)(b).
(4) The requirement may be satisfied by the provision of a copy of the document if S is satisfied that it is a true copy, but an original document must be provided if S so requests it.
Functions of Chief ConstableN.I.
27.—(1) The Chief Constable may direct in writing that any of his functions under these Regulations as are specified in the direction may be exercised on the Chief Constable's behalf by such appropriate police officers and members of the police support staff as are specified in the direction.
(2) The Chief Constable may direct in writing that a constable or a member of the police support staff is an authorised officer for the purpose of these Regulations.
PART 8 N.I.Revocations, amendments, savings and transitional provisions
Consequential and connected amendmentsN.I.
29.—(1) In paragraph 3 of Schedule 1 to the 1978 Order (existing statutory provisions) F32—
(2) In Article 36(1) of the Pollution Control and Local Government (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 F33, for the words “to which Article 3 of the Explosives (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 applies” substitute “ which is a tier 1 substance within the meaning of the Control of Explosives Precursors etc. Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 ”.
(3) In the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Exceptions) Order (Northern Ireland) 1979 F34—
(a)after article 3(o) F35 insert—
(q)any decision to refuse an application for a licence or registration under Part 3 of the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 F36, to grant such a licence subject to conditions, to modify such a licence (including any of the conditions of that licence), or to revoke such a licence or such registration;”.
(b)in article 4(2) F37 for the words “article 3(d) to (o)” substitute “ article 3(d) to (q) ”;
(c)in Schedule 2 (excepted licences, certificates and permits) F38—
(i)in paragraph 14 F39, for “of section 3 of that Act as extended by Article 3 of the Explosives (Northern Ireland) Order 1972” substitute “ required under the provisions of the Control of Explosives Precursors etc. Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 ”; and
(ii)after paragraph 25 F40, insert—
(4) In regulation 5(2) of the Dangerous Substances in Harbour Areas Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1991 (application of these Regulations) F41—
(5) For regulation 3 of the Health and Safety (Enforcing Authority) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 (application) F42, substitute—
(6) In Schedule 2 to the REACH Enforcement Regulations 2008 (functions of enforcing authorities) F43, for paragraph 3 substitute—
(7) In regulation 3(5) of the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009 (application) F44—
(8) In regulation 3(1) of the Explosives (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009 (application) F45—
(9) In regulation 4(3) of the Carriage of Explosives Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 (application) F46—
(10) In Schedule 12 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 F47 (explosives)—
F32Paragraph 3 was inserted by S.I. 2010/976. There are no other relevant amendments.
F33S.I. 1978/1049 (N.I. 19); the definition of “waste” in Article 36(1) was modified by S.R. 2006 No.425. Other amendments are not relevant.
F34S.R. 1979 No. 195; this Order was amended by section 39 of the Osteopaths Act 1993 (c. 21); section 40 of the Chiropractors Act 1994 (c. 17); S.R. 1987 No. 393; S.R. 2001 No. 248; S.R. 2001 No. 400; S.R. 2003 No. 355; S.R. 2006 No. 425; S.R. 2009 No. 173; S.R. 2009 No. 303; S.R. 2012 No. 318; and S.R. 2014 No. 27.
F35Article 3 was amended by S.R. 1987 No. 393; S.R. 2001 No. 248; S.R. 2001 No. 400; S.R. 2009 No. 303; S.R. 2012/318 and S.R. 2014 No. 27.
F36S.R. 2006 No.425; Part 3 was amended by S.R. 2009 No.248.
F37Article 4 was substituted by S.R. 1987 No. 393, and amended by S.R. 2001 No. 400; S.R. 2009 No. 303; and S.R. 2012 No. 318.
F38Schedule 2 was amended by S.R. 2006 No.425 and S.R. 2009 No.303.
F39Paragraph 14 was amended by S.R. 2006 No. 425.
F40Paragraph 25 was inserted by S.R. 2009 No.303.
F41S.R. 1991 No.509; regulation 5(2)(h) was amended by S.R. 2006 No.425.
F42S.R. 1999 No.90; regulation 3 was amended by S.R. 2006 No.425.
F43S.I. 2008/2852; there are no relevant amendments.
F44S.R. 2009 No.238; paragraph (5) was amended by S.R. 2009 No.273. Other amendments to regulation 3 are not relevant.
F45S.R. 2009 No.273; there are no relevant amendments to this regulation.
F46S.R. 2010 No.59;
F47S.I. 2010/976.
Amendments relating to police consent to activities involving explosivesN.I.
30.—(1) The Explosives Act (Northern Ireland) 1970 F48 is amended as follows.
(2) In section 1 (making and dealing with explosives) F49—
(i)for “an officer of police” substitute “ the Chief Constable ”, and
(ii)for “such an officer” substitute “ the Chief Constable ”;
(b)in subsection (2), for “a member of the Police Service of Northern Ireland” substitute “ an authorised officer ”;
(c)in subsection (5), for “officer of police” substitute “ authorised officer ”;
“(7) In this section, “authorised officer” means a person authorised by the Chief Constable under section 8A(2).”.
(3) After section 8 (interpretation) insert—
“8A. Functions of the Chief Constable
(1) The Chief Constable may direct in writing that any of his functions under this Act, or under regulations made under this Act, as are specified in the direction may be exercised on the Chief Constable's behalf by such appropriate police officers and members of the police support staff as are specified in the direction.
(2) The Chief Constable may direct in writing that a constable or a member of the police support staff is an authorised officer for the purpose of this Act, or regulations made under this Act.”.
(4) The Explosives Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1970 F50 are amended as follows.
(5) In regulation 1 (interpretation), omit the definition of “an officer of police”.
(6) In the following provisions, for “an officer of police” substitute “ the Chief Constable ”
(a)regulation 4(1) and (6); and
(b)regulation 11(1).
(7) In the following provisions, for “officer of police” substitute “ Chief Constable ”
(a)regulation 4(2)(f) and (3);
(b)paragraph (1) of Form 1 in the Schedule;
(c)the heading of Form 2 in the Schedule;
(d)paragraphs (1) and (8) of Form 5 in the Schedule F51;
(e)paragraphs (1) and (11) of Form 5A in the Schedule;
(f)the heading of Form 6 in the Schedule; and
(g)the heading of Form 6A in the Schedule.
(8) In the following provisions, for “consenting officer of police” substitute “ Chief Constable ”
(a)paragraphs (7), (10)(a) and (10)(b) of Form 6 in the Schedule; and
(b)paragraph (7) of Form 6A in the Schedule.
(9) In Form 6 in the Schedule, in paragraph (11), for “officer of police who issued this consent” substitute “ Chief Constable ”.
F481970 c. 10.
F49Section 1 was amended by S.I. 1996/1920 (N.I. 17) and S.R. 2006 No.425. References to the “Royal Ulster Constabulary” became the “Police Service of Northern Ireland” (section 78 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (c. 32)). References to fines were amended by S.I. 1984/703 (N.I. 3). References to “Head Constable” became “Inspector or Chief Inspector” (S.R.O. (N.I.) 1970/111).
F50S.R. 1970 No.110; these Regulations were amended by S.R. 1971 No.332; S.R. 1973 No.474; S.R. 1977 No.128; S.R. 2006 No.425; S.R. 2008 No.491.
F51Forms 5, 5A, 6 and 6A were substituted by S.R. 1977 No.128.
SCHEDULE 1N.I.Tier 1 Substances
1 A fertiliser was previously expressly referred to as an exception in the legislation. Fertiliser which satisfies these requirements will continue to fall within the exception.
2 Pest fumigants were previously expressly referred to as an exception in the legislation in relation to both potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate. Pest fumigants which satisfy these requirements will continue to fall within the exception.
1. Substance (or mixture containing that substance)
(CAS RN 6484-52-2)
(including Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAS RN 15245-12-2))
A mixture1 which contains—
(a)not more than 27.65% by weight of nitrogen in relation to ammonium nitrate; and
(b)not more than 0.4% by weight of combustible material.
A mixture which contains—
(a)13% or more by weight of water;
(b)30% or more by weight of calcium chloride dehydrate; and
(c)an inorganic anti-segregation agent which—
(i)prevents the separation of liquid and solid phases under the normal conditions of transport, storage and handling, and
(ii)is not capable of chemical reaction with sodium chlorate.
A mixture2 which—
(a)has been manufactured for the purpose of commercial supply, and
(b)contains not more than 5% by weight of—
(i)potassium nitrate, or
(ii)potassium nitrate in combination with sodium nitrate.
A mixture which—
(i)sodium nitrate, or
(ii)sodium nitrate in combination with potassium nitrate.
“diving project” has the meaning assigned to it by regulation 2(1) of the Diving at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005 F52 save that it includes an activity in which a person takes part as a diver wearing an atmospheric pressure suit and without breathing in air or other gas at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure;
“gas importation and storage zone” has the meaning assigned to it by section 1(5) of the Energy Act 2008 F53, and “within a gas importation and storage zone” includes over and under it;
F52S.R. 2005 No.45, as amended by S.R. 2007 No.247.
F532008 c. 32; section 1(5) is amended by paragraph 5 of Schedule 4 to the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23).
F541969 c. 6.
“renewable energy zone” has the same meaning as by section 84(4) of the Energy Act 2004 F55 and “within a renewable energy zone” includes over and under it.
F551969 c. 6 (N.I.).
1 This instrument was amended by S.L.R. 1976; functions under this instrument were transferred by S.I. 1973/2163.
2 This instrument was amended by S.R. 1973 No.171; S.R. 1996 No.429
3 This instrument was amended by S.R. 1981 No.31.
3. Extent of Repeal
Explosives (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 S.I. 1972 No.730 (N.I. 3)1 Whole instrument.
Explosives Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1972 S.R. 1972 No.1182 Whole instrument.
Explosives (No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1972 S.R. 1972 No.218 Whole instrument.
Explosives (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1973 S.R. 1973 No.171 Whole instrument.
Explosives Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1973 S.R. 1973 No.463 Whole instrument.
Explosives Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1974 S.R. 1974 No.32 Whole instrument.
Explosives Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1976 S.R. 1976 No.513 Whole instrument.
Explosives Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1977 S.R. 1977 No.128 Regulations 3 and 4 and Schedules 2 and 3.
Explosives Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1981 S.R. 1981 No.31 Whole instrument.
Explosives (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996 S.R. 1996 No.429 Whole instrument.
These Regulations implement, as regards Northern Ireland, Regulation (EU) No 98/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2013 on the marketing and use of explosives precursors (the “Precursors Regulation”). These Regulations also revoke and replace with modifications regulations made under the Explosives Act (Northern Ireland) 1970 and the Explosives (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 relating to the control of explosives precursors in Northern Ireland.
Tier 1 substances are substances which were previously controlled in Northern Ireland by regulations made under the Explosives Act (Northern Ireland) 1970 by virtue of the Explosives (Northern Ireland) Order 1972. Those substances are defined in regulation 3 and Schedule 1: ammonium nitrate (including calcium ammonium nitrate), sodium chlorate, potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate). Three substances which were controlled under the previous legislation – nitro-benzene, sodium chorite and sodium nitrite – are no longer subject to control and are not included in the definition of a tier 1 substance. Under regulation 3, a person is prohibited from supplying, acquiring, importing into Northern Ireland, possessing or using a tier 1 substance otherwise than under and in accordance with the terms of a licence granted by the Secretary of State. A limited number of persons are exempt from this prohibition.
Tier 2 substances are substances which are “restricted explosives precursors” within the meaning of the Precursors Regulation, as amended from time to time, other than tier 1 substances (see regulation 4). Currently, the tier 2 substances are hydrogen peroxide, nitromethane, nitric acid, potassium chlorate, potassium perchlorate and sodium perchlorate. Under Article 4(1) of the Precursors Regulation, a member of the general public is prohibited from possessing, acquiring, using or importing a tier 2 substance, but regulation 4 permits such a person to do so under and in accordance with the terms of a licence granted by the Secretary of State.
Regulation 5 provides for the grant and amendment of licences, including consultation requirements, the factors that the Secretary of State must consider and communication of the decision to the applicant. A licence may be granted for up to 3 years.
Regulation 6 sets out the requirements of a valid application for a licence. Where an application for a tier 1 substance is made by an organisation, the application must include details of a person who will be responsible for the substance. All applications must be accompanied by an identification document and a specified fee (a new requirement not previously imposed under the previous regulations which are replaced by this instrument).
Regulation 7 provides that the Secretary of State must conduct a review of her decision if requested to do so by the affected person within a specified time period.
Regulation 8 imposes general obligations on all licence holders, including requirements to permit inspections and provide information, and requirements to notify the Secretary of State of certain matters. Regulations 9 and 10 impose obligations on licence holders in respect of tier 1 substances only, including a requirement to obtain the consent of the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland for certain transactions, and a requirement to keep detailed records and documents.
Regulation 11 provides for the recognition of licences issued in Great Britain, or in other member States in accordance with Article 7(6) of the Precursors Regulation.
Regulations 12 to 14 place obligations on suppliers of tier 1 and tier 2 substances. A person must not supply a substance to a person who is required to have a licence unless a specified licence and identification are provided. For tier 1 substances in certain quantities, police consent to the transaction must also be provided. The supplier is required to fill out specified records. A person can supply tier 1 substances, other than sodium chlorate, for despatch or export outside Northern Ireland without requiring a licence, but the supplier must obtain the consent of the Chief Constable for transactions involving any tier 1 substances in certain quantities. A person who supplies a tier 2 substance in Northern Ireland, for despatch to Great Britain, or for export to another member State must require a licence. Suppliers also have obligations under Articles 5 and 9 of the Precursors Regulation in relation to labelling of substances (see regulation 15) and reporting of suspicious transactions and significant thefts and disappearances.
Regulation 16 prohibits the making of a false statement in relation to the licensing process.
Regulation 17 and Schedule 2 restrict the application of the Regulations to certain premises and activities in the territorial sea, except in relation to importation.
Regulation 18 provides for the enforcement of Articles 4 (prohibition on possession, etc of certain substances), 5 (labelling) and 9 (suspicious reporting) of the Precursors Regulation. It applies certain provisions of the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (S.I. 1978/1038 (N.I. 9)) to those Articles so that they will be enforced in the same way as health and safety regulations. It is a criminal offence to contravene health and safety regulations under Article 31 of that Order.
Regulations 19 to 23 provide for the enforcement of the Regulations, defences in relation to certain contraventions and separate penalties for certain contraventions of the Regulations. Regulation 24 provides for the issue of guidance by the Secretary of State and regulation 25 provides for regular review of the Regulations. Regulation 26 allows for the provision of copies of documents in place of originals in certain circumstances. Regulation 27 permits the Chief Constable to delegate his functions under the Regulations to specified police officers and members of the police support staff.
Regulations 28 to 31 and Schedule 3 provide for revocations, consequential amendments, linked amendments, and transitional and saving provisions.
Contravention of these regulations or any requirement or prohibition imposed under these regulations is an offence under Article 31 of the Health and Safety (Northern Ireland) Order 1978.
A full impact assessment of the effect that this instrument will have on the costs of business and the voluntary sector is available from the Northern Ireland Office, and is annexed to the Explanatory Memorandum which is available alongside the instrument at www.legislation.gov.ukwww.legislation.gov.uk.
A copy of the transposition note in relation to the implementation of the Precursors Regulation is available from the Northern Ireland Office, and is annexed to the Explanatory Memorandum which is available alongside the instrument at www.legislation.gov.uk.