India continues to enforce stringent regulations on ammonium nitrate, a chemical classified as a special category explosive due to its history of misuse in high-impact attacks. The Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012, brought in to tighten oversight, govern every stage of its manufacturing, storage, sale and transportation, ensuring strict control and preventing diversion for illegal purposes.
Legal Framework Under Explosives Act and IDR Act
The regulatory regime operates under the Explosives Act, 1884, through which the 2012 rules were framed. Additionally, the chemical falls partly under the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951, which mandates industrial licences for its manufacture. Recognising ammonium nitrate’s dual-use nature, the framework establishes layered permissions and close monitoring across industries that handle it.
Licensing, Storage and Compliance Requirements
Licences for manufacturing are issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), while the Petroleum & Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) oversees production, conversion, bagging, transport, import, export and possession. Local storage licences are granted by district magistrates.
All licence-holders are required to maintain detailed records and submit monthly stock accounts documenting quantities received, used, destroyed or lost, enabling full traceability from factory to end user.
Misuse Risks and Explosive Potential
While pure ammonium nitrate is generally stable and requires extreme heat or a detonator to explode, it becomes a powerful blasting agent when mixed with fuel to form ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO). Though commonly used in mining, ANFO has been misused in several terrorist attacks in India and abroad. Its high destructive potential is the primary reason for stringent controls and enhanced surveillance.
Facts
- Regulated under Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012, framed under the Explosives Act, 1884.
- Classified as a special category explosive.
- PESO licenses manufacturing, transport, import, export and possession.
- Monthly stock reporting is mandatory for all licence-holders.
Oversight by Multiple Authorities
Regulation involves the coordinated oversight of various agencies to minimise loopholes. Industrial approvals, explosive safety checks and district-level storage licensing work together to ensure secure handling and prevent unauthorised access. The stringent rules strengthen national security by controlling a chemical often associated with large-scale explosions and past terror incidents.