Explosives Act [No. 15 of 2003]


Government Gazette
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

Vol. 463 Cape Town 8 January 2004 No. 25893
THE PRESIDENCY No. 11 8 January 2004
It is hereby notified that the President has assented to the following Act, which is hereby published for general information:–
No. 15 of 2003: Explosives Act, 2003.

7 No. 35893 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. 8 JANLIAR?' 2003
Act NO. 15,2003 EXPLOSIVES ACT, 2003
(English text signed by the President.) (Assented to 19 December 2003.)
ACT To provide for the control of explosives; and to provide for matters connected therewith.
B E IT ENACTED by the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa. as follows:- ARRANGEMENT OF ACT
Sections
1.
2. 3.
4. 5 . 6. 7. 8. 9.
10. 1 1 . 12.
13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19.
Definitions
CHAPTER 1
APPLICATION OF ACT AND AMENDMENT 01' SCHEDULE 3
Application of Act Amendment of Schedule 3
CHAPTER 2
APPOINTMENT AND POWERS OF INSPECTORS AND DISPOSAL OF EXPLOSIVES
Appointment of Chief Inspector and inspectors Inspections Entry and search of premises Forfeiture Destruction of explosives Prints and samples for investigation purposes
CHAPTER 3
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MANUFACTURE, DEALING, IMPORTATION, EXPORTATION 20 AND PACKAGING OF EXPLOSIVES
Keeping, storage, possession or transportation of explosives Prohibition of transportation of explosives under certain conditions Certificate in respect of explosives manufacturing site and licence for explosives magazine 25 Licence to deal in explosives Manufacturing of explosives Prohibition on use of explosives without permit Possession of imitation of explosives Importation and exportation of explosives Packaging of explosives Prohibition in respect of unauthorised explosives
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CHAPTER 4
RECORD KEEPING
20. Database 2 1 . Record keeping
CHAPTER 5
ENDANGERING LIFE OR PROPERTY
2 2 . Endangering life or property
CHAPTER 6
PRESUMPTIONS
23. Presumption of’ possession of explosives under certain circumstances 24. Presumption relating to failure to report 25. Presumption relating to failure to take reasonable steps
CHAPTER 7
PLASTIC EXPLOSIVES
26. Acts relating to unmarked plastic explosives 27. Information regarding plastic explosives
CHAPTER 8
OFFENCES, PENALTIES, JURISDICTION AND APPEALS
28. Offences 29. Penalties 30. Declaration of persons as unfit to possess explosives 3 1. Jurisdiction 32. Appeals
CHAPTER 9
REGULATIONS
33. Regulations
CHAPTER 10
REPEAL OF LAWS, AND SAVING
34. Repeal of laws, and saving 35. Short title and commencement
SCHEDULE 1 SCHEDULE 2 SCHEDULE 3
Definitions
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1. In the Act, unless the context i dicates otherwise- 35 “authorised explosive” means any explosive listed in the regulations as an authorised explosive;
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“broker” means any person who acts for others in negotiating or arranging contracts in respect of purchases, sales or the transfer of explosives in return for a fee, commission or other consideration; “Chief Inspector” means the Chief Inspector of Explosives appointed by the Minister in terms of’ section 4( 1); “Convention” means the United Nations Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives for the Purpose of Detection (Montreal Convention), 1991. as set out in Schedule 3: “detection agent” means any detection agent included in the Technical Annex to the Convention; “detonate” means the initiation of an explosive by means of a detonator. shockwave or other means of initiation; “explosion” means a chemical reaction involving the production of gases at such a speed, temperature and pressure as is likely to cause damage to the surroundings; “explosive” means- ( a ) a substance. or a mixture of substances, in a solid or liquid state, which is
capable of producing an explosion; (6) a pyrotechnic substance in a solid or liquid state, or a mixture of such
substances. designed to produce an effect by heat, light, sound, gas or smoke. or a combination of these, as the result of non-detonative self-sustaining exothermic chemical reaction, including pyrotechnic substances which do not evolve gases;
(c) any article or device containing one or more substances contemplated in paragraph ( a ) :
(d) any plastic explosive: or ( e ) any other substance or article which the Minister may from time to time by
notice in the Ga:rfre declare to be an explosive; ”explosives magazine” means any building or part thereof, or any structure, licensed under this Act for the storage of explosives; ”explosives manufacturing site” means any site licensed under this Act for the manufacture of explosives; “fireworks“ means any pyrotechnic substance contemplated in paragraph ( 6 ) of the definition of “explosives” which- ( a ) is manufactured for the purposes of amusement or entertainment: and (h ) is divided into such classes as may be prescribed; “imitation”. in respect of an explosive, means anything that has the appearance of an explosive, but which is not capable of operating as such and cannot by superficial examination be identified as an imitation; “inspector“ means any inspector of explosives appointed under section 4(2); “manufacture” means the making or processing of any explosive. and includes the division of any explosive into its components by any process, the conversion of any kind of explosive into another kind and the alteration, testing or reworking of any explosive; ”marking”. in relation to a plastic explosive, means the introduction of a detection agent into the plastic explosive in accordance with the ‘Technical Annex to the Convention: “Minister” means the Minister of Safety and Security; “plastic explosive“ means any explosive in flexible, malleable, elastic or sheet form which is- (a) formulated with one or more high explosives which in their pure form have a
(b) formulated with any binder material; and (c ) as a mixture, flexible or malleable, at normal room temperature; “premises” means any land, place, road, harbour, open water, river, building, structure, tent, ship, boat, aircraft, railway truck, cart, van or other vehicle or vessel: “prescribed” means prescribed by regulation; “regulation” means any regulation made or regarded as having been made under this Act; “suitable person” means a person- ( a ) who is 18 years or older;
vapour pressure of less than Pa at a temperature of 25°C;
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X No. 25893 GOVERNMENT ‘GAZETTE. X JANLlAl reasonable doubt, be sufficient evidence that the explosives have been lost.
Presumption relating to failure to take reasonable steps
25. Whenever a person is charged in terms of the Act with an offence of failing t o t a k reasonable steps to ensure that no explosives are brought onto premises under his or her 40 ounership or control in contravention of this Act, proof that such explosives wert' brought onto premises under his or her ownership or control in contravention of this Act. will. i n the absence of evidence to the contrary which raises reasonable doubt. be sufficient evidence that he or she failed to take such reasonable steps.
CHAPTER 7
PLASTIC EXPLOSIVES
Acts relating to unmarked plastic explosives
26. (1) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Act but subject to subsection ( 3 ). no person may manufacture. import, transport, keep, store, possess, transfer, purchase. sell, supply or export any unmarked plastic explosives. 50
( 2 ) (a) The marking of plastic explosives must be done in such a manner as to achieve homogeneous distribution in the finished product.
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( b ) The minimum concentration of a detection agent in the finished product at the time
( 3 ) Subsection (1) does not apply- of manufacture must be in accordance with the Technical Annex to the Conventlon.
(a) for 15 years after 8 May 1998 in respect of the transportation, keeping. storage, possession, transfer or transmission of any unmarked plastic explosives manufactured in, or imported into, the Republic before that date by or on behalf of an organ of state performing military or police functions: or
(6) in respect of the manufacture, importation, transportation, keeping. storaye. possession, transfer, sale, supply or transmission of any unmarked plastic explosives in limited quantities as may be determined in writing by the Chief Inspector- (i) solely for use in-
(aa) research into or development or testing of new or moditled
(bb) training in the detection of explosives; or (cc) the development or testing of equipment for the detection of
explosives;
explosives; or (ii) solely for forensic purposes, and under such conditions as may be prescribed.
Information regarding plastic explosives
27. (1 ) Any person must, within 30 days after obtaining possession of or control o\'er any plastic explosives, inform the Chief Inspector in writing-
(a ) of the quantity of such plastic explosives; (b) of the name of the manufacturer or importer thereof; (c) of any marks of identification thereon: and ( d ) whether or not it is marked with a detection agent.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to any member of the South African National Defence Force or the South African Police Service performing official military or police duties.
CHAPTER 8
OFFENCES, PENALTIES, JURISDICTION AND APPEALS
Offences
28. (1) It is an offence to contravene or fail to comply with any- (a) provision of this Act; (b) condition of a licence, permit or authorisation issued or granted by or under
( c ) provision, direction or requirement of a notice issued under this Act.
(a) falsely represent oneself as an inspector; ( 6 ) wilfully obstruct or hinder any inspector in the exercise of the powers
conferred upon him or her or in the performance of the duties assigned t o him or her in terms of this Act;
this Act; or
( 2 ) It is an offence t o -
(c) disobey any lawful order of an inspector, whether verbal or in writing; or (d) wilfully give false information to an inspector.
(a) create, distribute, produce or import or be in possession of a publication. whether in electronic or any other form, which contains methods for the synthesising of explosives; or
(h ) obtain information with regard to the method for the synthesising of explosives,
unless the publication or information relates to the performance of any activity permitted by a licence, a permit, an authorisation or a permission issued or given to him or her in terms of this Act.
(3) It is an offence for any person t o -
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(4) I t is an offence for the owner or person in control of premises not to take reasonable steps to ensure that no explosives are brought onto the premises.
( 5 ) (a ) In the absence of evidence to the contrary which raises reasonable doubt, any person found in possession of explosives under such circumstances as to give rise to ,a reasonable suspicion that he or she intended to use the explosives for the purpose of injuring any person or damaging any property, is guilty of an offence.
( b ) For the purposes of paragraph (a), “explosives” includes any container, apparatus, instrument. incendiary device or any part hereof or article which contains any inflammable substance which has been adapted so that it can be used to cause an explosion or a fire.
Penalties
29. (1) Any person convicted of a contravention of or a failure to comply with-- ( a ) section 22(2), is liable to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 25 years; ( 6 ) section l l (1 ) or (2), 13(1), 14(1), ( 2 ) or (3), lS(1) or 1’7, is liable, in the case
of a- (i) first offender, to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 15 years;
(ii) second offender, to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 20 years;
(iii) third or subsequent offender, to imprisonment for a period not exceeding! and
25 years; ( c ) section 22(3) or (4). where the-
(i) act or omission is wilful and death does not result therefrom, is liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding I5 years. or to both a fine and such imprisonment;
( i i ) explosion is caused by a negligent act or omission and death results. i s liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 10 years, or to both a fine and such imprisonment;
( i i i ) explosion is caused by a negligent act or omission and property or life is endangered, is liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years. or to both a fine and such imprisonment;
(d) section 10(1), (2), (3), (4) or ( S ) , 16 or 28(4) or ( 5 ) is liable to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 15 years;
( e ) section 19 or 28(3) is liable to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 10 years; and
cfi section 8(l) , 12(1) or (2). 18(1) or (2), 20(1). 21, 26(1) or (2). 27(1) or 28(2)(a), (b), (c) or (d) is liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years. or to both a fine and such imprisonment.
( 2 ) A court sentencing a person in terms of subsection (1) may declare- (a ) any explosives in respect of which the offence was committed to be forfeited
to the State and may make any order with regard to the safekeeping and destruction of the explosives, including an order for payment of the cost of safekeeping and destruction, as the court may deem fit; and
( b ) any vehicle or instrument used for the purposes of or in connection with 1.he commission of the offence to be forfeited to the State.
(3) Section 35 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No. 51 of 1977), applies with the necessary changes to any forfeiture and disposal in terms of this section.
Declaration of persons as unfit to possess explosives
30. (1) Unless the court determines otherwise, a person becomes unfit to possess explosives if convicted of-
(a) the unlawful possession of explosives;
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any crime or offence involving the unlawful use or handling of explosives, whether explosives were used or handled by that person or by another participant in that crime or offence; an offence involving the failure to store explosives in accordance with the requirements of this Act; 5 an offence involving the negligent handling or loss of explosives while the explosives were in his or her possession; an offence involving the handling of explosives while under the influence of any substance which has an intoxicating or narcotic effect; any other crime or offence in the commission of which explosives were used. 10 whether the explosives were used or handled by that person or by another participant in the crime or offence; any offence involving violence, sexual abuse or dishonesty, for which the accused is sentenced to imprisonment without the option of a fine; any other offence under or in terms of this Act in respect of which the accused 15 is sentenced to imprisonment without the option of a fine; any offence involving physical or sexual abuse occurring in a domestic relationship as defined in section 1 of the Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act No. 116 of 1998): any offence involving the abuse of alcohol r drugs; 20 any offence involving dealing in drugs; any offence in terms of the Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act No. I 16 of 1998), in respect of which the accused is sentenced to imprisonment without the option of a fine; any offence in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000). 25 in respect of which the accused is sentenced to imprisonment without rhe option of a fine;
tion. rape, kidnapping or child stealing; or ( n ) any offence involving sabotage, terrorism, public violence. arson. intimitla-
(0) any conspiracy, incitement or attempt to commit an offence referred to above. 30 (2) (a) A court which convicts a person of an offence referred to in Schedule 2 and
which is not an offence contemplated in subsection (I) , must enquire and determine whether that person is unfit to possess explosives.
(b) If a court. acting in terms of paragraph (a). determines that a person is unfit to possess explosives, it must ake a declaration to that effect. 35
(4) If a person becomes unfit to possess explosives or is declared unfit to posscss explosives in terms of subsection (1) or (2), as the case may be. the relevant court must notify the Chief Inspector in writing of the person’s unfitness and the notification must be accompanied by an order for the search and seizure of-
(a) all certificates. licences and permits issued to the person in terms of this Act: 10
(6) all explosives in the person’s possession. and
Jurisdiction
31. A court of a regional division as contemplated in section 89(2) of the Magistrates’ Courts Act, 1944 (Act No. 32 of 1944), may impose any penalty in terms of this Act. 45 despite anything to the contrary contained in any other law.
Appeals
32. ( 1 ) Where any person is not satisfied with a decision or instruction given by an inspector, he or she may, within 14 days, lodge a written appeal with the Chief Inspector or his or her delegate, who must take action as soon as possible. 50
(2) A person contemplated in subsection (1) must submit a written statement to thle Chief Inspector or his or her delegate setting out the grounds upon which the appeal IS based.
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(3) Where any person is not satisfied with a decision or instruction given by the Chief Inspector or his or her delegate, he or she may, within 30 days, lodge a written appeal with an appeal board established by the Minister in the prescribed manner.
(4) Until any appeal has been decided in terms of this section. the decision or instruction. as the case may be, must be deemed to have been validly made or yivrm. 5
CHAPTER 9
REGULATIONS
Regulations
33. ( 1) The Minister. may make regulations regarding- anything which may or must be prescribed in terms of this Act; the use, disposal and destruction of explosives; the construction of explosives magazines; the conditions under which the manufacture of explosives other than in a licensed explosives manufacturing site may be carried out: the storage of explosives; the classification. composition, testing and analysis of explosives: the grant, cancellation and suspension of any permit or licence mentioned in this Act and the period for which any such permit or licence may be i.;sued: the packaging. transport, importation, exportation and transhipment of explosives, and the landing and handling of explosives in ports. harboxs. airports and other places of entry or exit; the prohibition of the transportation of explosives or the use for the transportation thereof of any means of transport except under authority o f a permit issued by an inspector, the grant, cancellation and suspension of .my such permit and the period for which any such pernlit may be issued; the issuing of a licence and an end-user certificate to a dealer or broker in explosives, the conditions of any such licence, the restrictions which ma! be placed upon the sale or disposal of explosives to particular persons and the quantity of any explosives which may be purchased by any person or company under a permit issued by an inspector; the inquiry into the circumstances of explosions. including fires cauwd or suspected to have been caused by explosives, endangering or causing death or injury to persons or damage to property, and the giving of notice of all such explosions: the prevention of trespassing in or upon an explosives manufacturing site or an explosives magazine or other place where explosives are kept; determining fees or tariffs payable for any permit, licence or authorisation in terms of this Act; the statistics which manufacturers and dealers may be called upon to supplly; the restricting of the sale and use of fireworks, excluding organised fireworks displays, to certain periods or days; the establishment and functions of an appeal board; any matter pertaining to record keeping; the disposal of forfeited explosives; and any other matter which must be regulated for the protection of life and property against explosions or for the achievement of the objects of this Act.
(2) Regulations made under subsection (1) may provide for penalties for a contravention thereof or failure to comply therewith, which penalties may not exceed a fine or imprisonment for a period of five years, and they may also provide that any explosives in respect of which the contravention or non-compliance has taken place 50 must be forfeited and destroyed.
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(3) Such regulations may also prescribe daily penalties for a continuing contravention or non-compliance or increased penalties for a second or subsequent contravention or non-compliance, subject to the maxima mentioned in subsection (2).
CHAPTER 10
REPEAL OF LAWS, AND SAVING 5
Repeal of laws, and saving
34. ( I ) Subject to subsection (21, the laws mentioned in Schedule 1 are hereby repealed.
(2) Any proclamation, regulation, notice, approval, authority, licence. permit. certificate or document issued, made, given or granted and any other action taken under 10 any provision of a law repealed by this Act, must be regarded as having been issued. made, given, granted or taken under the corresponding provision of this Act.
Short title and commencement
35. This Act is called the Explosives Act, 2003, and comes into operation on a datr fixed by the President by proclamation in the Gazette. 15
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SCHEDULE 1
Laws repealed (section 34)
Number and year of law
The whole. -I Explosives Act, 1956 Act No. 26 of 1956 Short title ~~ Extent of repeal ~~~ ~ Act No. 79 of 1962 Explosives Amendment Act, The whole. 1 I962
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Act No. 7 1 of 1963 The whole. Explosives Amendment Act, 1963
Act No. 46 of 1964 The whole. Mines and Works and Explo- sives Amendment Act, 1964
Act No. 20 of 1965 The whole. Explosives Amendment Act, 1965
Act No. 12 of 1967 The whole. Explosives Amendment Act. I967
Act No. 74 of 1972 The whole. Explosives Amendment Act, 1972
Act No. 35 of 1975 The whole. Explosives Amendment Act. 1975
Act No. 101 of 1977 11977 Explosives Amendment Act, The whole.
Act No. 5 of 1981 The whole. Explosives Amendment Act, ~~ ~~~~ ~~ ~
1981
Act No. 18 of 1983 The whole. Explosives Amendment Act, 1983
- Act No. 178 of 1993 The whole. Explosives Amendment Act.
1993
Act No. 83 of 1997 The whole. Explosives Amendment Act, 1997
- Act No. 17 of 1956 Section I6 Riotous Assemblies Act, 1956
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SCHEDULE 2
Crimes and offences giving rise to unfitness enquiry by court (Section 30)
High treason.
Sedition.
Malicious damage to property.
Entering any premises with the intent to commit an offence under the common law 01' a statutory provision.
Culpable homicide.
Extortion.
Any crime or offence- (a) in terms of this Act or the previous Act, in respect of which an accused was not
sentenced to imprisonment without the option of a fine: (b) in terms of the Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act No. 116 of 1998), in respect
of which an accused was not sentenced to imprisonment without the option of a fine;
(c ) involving violence, sexual abuse or dishonesty, in respect of which an accused was not sentenced to imprisonment without the option of a fine;
(d) in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000), in respect of which an accused was not sentenced to imprisonment without the option of a fine.
Any conspiracy, incitement or attempt to commit any offence referred to in this Schedule.
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SCHEDULE 3
CONVENTION ON THE MARKING OF PLASTIC EXPLOSIVES FOR TlHE PURPOSE OF DETECTION
THE STATES PARTIES TO THIS CONVENTION,
CONSCIOUS of the implications of acts of terrorism for international security;
EXPRESSING deep concern regarding terrorist acts aimed at destruction of aircr.lft. other means of transportation and other targets;
CONCERNED that plastic explosives have been used for such terrorist acts:
CONSIDERING that the marking of such explosives for the purpose of detect1011 would contribute significantly to the prevention of such unlawful acts:
RECOGNIZING that, for the purpose of detemng such unlawful acts. there is an urgent need for an international instrument obliging States to adopt appropriate measures to ensure that plastic explosives are duly marked:
CONSIDERING United Nations Security Council Resolution 635 of 14 June 1989 and United Nations General Assembly Resolution 44/29 of 4 December 1989 urging 1 he International Civil Aviation Organization to intensify its work on devising an international regime for the marking of plastic or sheet explosives for the purpose of detection:
BEARING IN MIND Resolution A27-8 adopted unanimously by the 77th Session of the Assembly of the lntemational Civil Aviation Organization which endorsed with the highest and overriding priority the preparation of a new international instrument regarding the marking of plastic or sheet explosives for the purpose of detection:
NOTING with satisfaction the role played by the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation in the preparation of the Convention, as well as its willingness to assume functions related to its implementation;
HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
Article I
For the Duruoses of this Convention: 1.
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“Explosives” mean explosive products, commonly known as ”plastic explosives”, including explosives in flexible or elastic sheet form, as described in the Technical Annex to this Convention. “Detection Agent” means a substance as described in the Technical Annex to this Convention which is introduced into an explosive to render it detectable. “Marking” means introducing into an explosive a detection agent in accordance with the Technical Annex to this Convention. “Manufacture” means any process, including reprocessing, that produces explosives. “Duly authorized Military devices” include, but are not restricted to, shells. bombs. projectiles, mines, missiles, rockets, shaped charges, grenades and perforators manufactured exclusively for military or police purposes accortl- ing to the laws and regulations of the State Party concerned. “Producer State” means any State in whose territory explosives are manufactured.
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Article I1
Each State Party shall take the necessary and effective measures to prohibit a i d prevent the manufacture in its temtory of unmarked explosives.
Article 111
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Each State Party shall take the necessary and effective measures to prohibit and prevent the movement into or out of its territory of unmarked explosives. The preceding paragraph shall not apply in respect of movements. for purpo:ieS not inconsistent with the objectives of this Convention, by authorities o f a St,ltr Party performing military or police functions, of unmarked explosives under the control of that State Party in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article IV.
Article IV
Each State Party shall take the necessary measures to exercise strict and effective control over the possession and transfer of possession of unmarksd explosives which have been manufactured in or brought into its territory prior to the entry into force of this Convention in respect of that State, so as to prevent their diversion or use for purposes inconsistent with the objectives of this Convention. Each State Party shall take the necessary measures to ensure that a11 stocks of‘ those explosives referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, not held by its authorities performing military or police functions, are destroyed or consumed for purposes not inconsistent with the objectives of this Convention. marked or rendered permanently ineffective, within a period of three years from the entn’ into force of this Convention in respect of that State. Each State Party shall take the necessary measures to ensure that all stocks o f those explosives referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, held by its authorities performing military or police functions and that are not incorporated as ,ln integral part of duly authorized military devices, are destroyed or consumed for purposes not inconsistent with the objectives of this Convention, marked or rendered permanently ineffective, within a period of fifteen years from the entry into force of this Convention in respect of that State. Each State Party shall take the necessary measures to ensure the destruction. 1s soon as possible, in its temtory of unmarked explosives which may be discovered therein and which are not referred to in the preceding paragraphs lof this Article, other than stocks of unmarked explosives held by its authoritirh performing military or police functions and incorporated as an integral part of duly authorized military devices at the date of the entry into force of this Convention in respect of that State. Each State Party shall take the necessary measures to exercise strict arld effective control over the possession and transfer of possession of the explosives referred to in paragraph I1 of Part 1 of the Technical Annex to this Convention, so as to prevent their diversion or use for purposes inconsihtent with the objectives of this Convention. Each State Party shall take the necessary measures to ensure the destruction, as soon as possible, in its territory of unmarked explosives manufactured since the coming into force of this Convention in respect of that State that are n o r incorporated as specified in paragraph II(d) of Part 1 of the Technical Annex to this Convention, and of unmarked explosives which no longer fall within the scope of any other subparagraphs of the said paragraph 11.
Article V
There is established by this Convention an International Explosives Technic~.I Commission (hereinafter referred to as “the Commission”) consisting of not
Act No. 15,2003 EXPLOSIVES ACT. 2003
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less than fifteen or more than nineteen members appointed by the Council o f the International Civil Aviation Organization (hereinafter referred to as ":he Council") from among persons nominated by States Parties to this Convention. The members ofthe Commission shall be experts having direct and substanlial experience in matters relating to the manufacture or detection of. or research in. explosives. Members of the Commission shall serve for a period of three years. u n c i shall be eligible for reappointment. Sessions of the Commission shall be convened, at least once a year Jt lhe Headquarters of the International Civil Aviation Organization. or at such places and times as may be directed or approved by the Council. The Commission shall adopt its rules of procedure, subject to the appro\,al of the Council. .
Article VI
The Commission shall evaluate technical developments relating to the manufacture. marking and detection of explosives. The Commission. through the Council, shall report its findings to the Stales Parties and international organizations concerned. Whenever necessary, the Commission shall make recommendations t o the Council for amendments to the Technical Annex to this Convention. The Commission shall endeavour to take its decisions on such recommendations ID) consensus. In the absence of consensus the Commission shall take such decisions by a two-third majority vote of its members. The Council may. on the recommendation of the Commission. propose to States Parties amendments to the Technical Annex to this Convention.
Article VI1
Any State Party may. within ninety days from the date of notification of a proposed amendment to the Technical Annex to this Convention. transmit to the Council its comments. The Council shall communicate these comments to the Commission as soon as possible for its consideration. The Council shall invite any State Party which comments on, or objects to. the propowd amendment to consult the Commission. The Commission shall consider the views of States Parties made pursuant t o the preceding paragraph, and report to the Council. The Council. a f t ' s consideration of the Commission's report and taking into account the nature o f the amendment and the comments of States Parties, including producer States. may propose the amendment to all States Parties for adoption. If a proposed amendment has not been objected to by five or more States Parties by means of written notification to the Council within ninety days from the date of notification of the amendment by the Council. i t shall be deemed to have been adopted, and shall enter into force one hundred and eighty days thereafter or after such other period as specified in the proposed amendment f o r States parties not having expressly objected thereto. States Parties having expressly objected to the proposed amendment ma:): subsequently, by means of the deposit of an instrument of acceptance o r approval, express their consent to be bound by the provisions of the amendment. If five or more Stares Parties have objected to the proposed amendment. the Council shall refer it to the Commission for further consideration. If the proposed amendment has not been adopted in accordance with paragraph 3 of this Article, the Council may also convene a conference of all States Parties.
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Article VI11
1. States Parties shall. if possible, transmit to the Council information that would assist the Commission in the discharge of its functions under paragraph 1 of Article VI.
2. States Parties shall keep the Council informed of measures they have taken to implement the provisions of this Convention. The Council shall communicate such information to all States Parties and international organizations ccn- cerned.
Article IX
The Council shall, in.co-operation with States Parties and international organizations concerned, take appropriate measures to facilitate the implementation of this Conven- tion, including the provision of technical assistance and measures for the exchange of information relating to technical developments in the marking and detection of explosives.
Article X
The Technical Annex to this Convention shall form an integral part of this Convention.
Article XI
1. Any dispute between two or more States Parties concerning the interpretation or application of this Convention which cannot be settled through negotiation shall. at the request of one of them, be submitted to arbitration. If within six months from the date of the request for arbitration the Parties are unable to agree on the organization of the arbitration. any one of those Parties may refer the dispute to the International Court of Justice by request in conformity with the Statute of the Court.
2. Each State Party may, at the time of signature, ratification, acceptance o r approval of this Convention, or accession thereto, declare that i t does nc.?t consider itself bound by the preceding paragraph. The other States Parties shz.11 not be bound by the preceding paragraph with respect to any State Party having made such a reservation.
3. Any State Party having made a reservation in accordance with the preceding paragraph may at any time withdraw this reservation by notification to the Depositary.
Article XI1
Except as provided in Article XI, no reservation may be made to this Convention
Article XI11
1. This Convention shall be open for signature in Montreal on 1 March 1991 by States participating in the international Conference on Air Law held at Montreal from 12 February to 1 March 1991. After 1 March 1991 the Convention shall be open to all States for signature at the Headquarters of the International Civil Aviation Organization in Montreal until it enters into force in accordance with paragraph 3 of this Article. Any State which does not sign this Convention may accede to it at any time.
2. This Convention shall be subject to ratification, acceptance, approval cr accession by States. Instruments of ratification, acceptance. approval or accession shall be deposited with the International Civil Aviation Organization. which is hereby designated the Depositary. When depositing its instrument of
Act No. 15.2003 EXPLOSIVES ACT. 2003
ratification, acceptance. approval or accession, each Srate shall declare whether or not it is a producer State.
3. This Convention shall enter into force on the sixtieth (day following the tlatr of deposit of the thirty-fifth instrument of ratification. acceptance. approval o r accession with the Depositary, provided that no fewer than tive such Stu.tes have declared pursuant to paragraph 2 of this Article that the! are producer States. Should thirty-five such instruments be deposited prior to the deposil of their instruments by five producer States, this Convention shall enter into force on the sixtieth day following the date of deposit of the instrument o f ratification, acceptance. approval or accession of the fifth producer- State.
4. For other States, this Convention shall enter into force sixty da!.x following the date of deposit of their instruments of ratification. acceptance. approval 01- accession. I
5. .4s soon as this Convention comes into force. it shall be registered by the Depositary pursuant to Article 102 of the Charter of the United Nation\ and pursuant to Article 83 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago. 1944).
Article XIV
The Depositary shall promptly notify all signatories and Sta.tes Partie5 o f :
1. each signature of this Convention and date thereof: 2. each deposit of an instrument of ratification, acceptance. appro! al or accession
and date thereof, giving special reference to whether the State has identitied itself as a producer State;
3. the date of entry into force of this Convention: 4. the date of entry into force of any amendment to this Conwntion or its
5. any denunciation made under Article XV; and 6. any declaration made under paragraph 2 of Article XI.
Technical Annex:
Article XV
1 . Any State Party may denounce this Convention by written notitication t o the
2. Denunciation shall take effect one hundred and eighty days fc>llowing tht. date Depositary.
on which notification is received by the Depositary.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned Plenipotentiaries, being duly authorized thereto by their Government. have signed this Convention.
DONE at Montreal, this first day of March, one thousand nine hundred and ninety-one. in one original. drawn up in five authentic texts in the English. French. Russian. Spanijh and Arabic languages.
TECHNICAL ANNEX
PART 1: DESCRIPTION OF EXPLOSIVES
I The explosives referred to in paragraph 1 of Article I of this Convention are
a ) are formulated with one or more high explosives which in their pure form
b) are formulated with a binder material; and c ) are, as a mixture, malleable or flexible at normal room temperature.
those that:
have a vapour pressure of less than Pa at a temperature of 25°C;
I1 The following explosives, even though meeting the description of explosives in paragraph I of this Part, shall not be considered to be explosives as long as they continue to be held or used for the purposes specified below. or remain incorporated as there specified. namely those explosives that:
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Act No. IS, 2003 EXPLOSIVES ACT, 2003 _-
a) are manufactured, or held, in limited quantities solely for use i n dul! authorized research, development or testing of new or n1oditit.d explosives;
6 ) are manufactured, or held, in limited quantities solely for use i n dul! authorized training in explosives detection andor development or te\ting of explosives detection equipment;
c ) are manufactured, or held, in limited quantities solely for duly authori.xd forensic science purposes; or
d) are destined to be and are incorporated as an integral p a t 01' dul! authorized military devices in the territory or'the producer State within three years after the coming into force of this Convention i n respect of that State. Such devices produced in this period of three years shall be deemed. to be duly authorized military devices within paragraph 4 ot Article IV of this Convention.
I11 In this Part: "Duly authorized" in paragraph II(a), (b) and (c) mean5 permitted
according to the laws and regulations of the State Party concerned: a.nd "High explosives" include, but are not restricted to.
cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine (HMX). pentaerythritol tetranitra:? (PETN) and cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX).
PART 2: DETECTION AGENTS
A detection agent is any one of those substances set out in the follo\ving 'Table. Detection agents described in this Table are intended to be used to enhnnce Ihr' detectability of explosives by vapour detection means. In each case. the introtluction of a detection agent into an explosive shall be done in such a manner a\ to achie\.e homogeneous distribution in the finished product. The minirnum concentration o" ;I detection agent in the finished product at the time of manufacture shall bc a s h n t m i n the said Table.
Table
Name of detection ag nt molecular mol ular minimum
Ethylene glycol dinitrate (EGDN)
2,3-Dimethyl-2.3-dinitrobutane C6H12 (NO,) 2 0.1 % by mass (DMNB)
para-Mononitrotoluene (p-MNT) 0.5% by mass 137 C7H7N02 ortho-Mononitrotoluene (0-MNT)
0.5°/6 by mass 137 C,bNOz
Any explosive which, as a result of its normal formulation, contains an): of' the designated detection agents at or above the required minimum concentration levels shdl be deemed to be marked.