India enforces strict control over ammonium nitrate because it is classified as a special category explosive. The government introduced the Ammonium Nitrate Rules 2012 to regulate all stages of its manufacturing, storage, sale, transport, import and export. The rules aim to prevent misuse, since the chemical has been used in the past to make powerful improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Ammonium Nitrate Rules 2012: India’s Regulatory Framework to Prevent Misuse
Legal Framework
Ammonium nitrate is regulated under:
| Provision | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Ammonium Nitrate Rules 2012 (under Explosives Act 1884) | Main legal framework for regulation |
| Industries (Development & Regulation) Act 1951 | Industrial licences for manufacturing |
The law recognizes that ammonium nitrate is a dual-use chemical—used for fertilizers and mining, but also capable of being converted into explosives.
Licensing and Storage Rules
Licensing involves multiple authorities:
| Authority | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade) | Licences for manufacturing |
| PESO (Petroleum & Explosives Safety Organisation) | Authorises production, conversion, transport, import, export and possession |
| District Magistrate | Issues licences for storing in local warehouses |
Licence-holders must keep accurate records and submit monthly stock accounts showing:
- Quantity received
- Quantity used
- Quantity destroyed/lost
- Quantity in storage
This ensures strict traceability and prevents illegal diversion.
Misuse Risks and Explosive Potential
Pure ammonium nitrate is stable, but when mixed with fuel, it forms a powerful blasting mixture known as ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil).
✔ Widely used in mining
❌ Misused in terrorist attacks in India and abroad
Because of this history, the substance remains under tight surveillance and strict licensing.
Oversight by Multiple Authorities
The regulation involves coordination between:
- Industrial licensing authorities
- Explosive safety authorities
- Local administration
This multi-agency approach strengthens national security by ensuring that ammonium nitrate is not diverted for illegal purposes.
Exam-Oriented Notes
- Ammonium nitrate is regulated under the Ammonium Nitrate Rules 2012.
- It is governed by the Explosives Act 1884 and partially by the IDR Act 1951.
- Classified as a special category explosive in India.
- PESO licenses production, transport, import, export and possession.
- Monthly stock accounts are mandatory for all licence-holders.
- Mixed with fuel, it becomes ANFO, a powerful blasting agent.
Question & Answer
Q1. Ammonium nitrate in India is regulated under which rules?
(a) Chemical Safety Rules 1999
(b) Ammonium Nitrate Rules 2012
(c) Explosives Substance Rules 1975
(d) Fertilizer Regulation Rules 2005
Answer: Ammonium Nitrate Rules 2012
Q2. Which organisation licenses the possession and transport of ammonium nitrate?
(a) NITI Aayog
(b) FSSAI
(c) PESO
(d) CSIR
Answer: PESO
Q3. Ammonium nitrate is classified in India as a:
(a) Hazardous fertilizer
(b) Special category explosive
(c) Banned chemical
(d) Radioactive substance
Answer: Special category explosive
Q4. Monthly stock accounts for ammonium nitrate must record which of the following?
(a) Only production quantity
(b) Received, used, destroyed/lost, stored
(c) Import details only
(d) Fertilizer sales data
Answer: Received, used, destroyed/lost, stored
Q5. ANFO is made by mixing ammonium nitrate with:
(a) Carbon
(b) Fuel oil
(c) Sulphur
(d) Water
Answer: Fuel oil
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