Explosive precursors are common chemicals (many of which are routinely used as fertilizers) that can be used to manufacture illicit explosives.
For this reason, Regulation (EU) 2019/1148 concerning the marketing and use of explosive precursors is now in force, in which the regulated precursors have been identified and, in some cases, are subject to restrictions. These substances are divided into two groups based on their dangerousness and the precautionary measures to be adopted. For this reason, for some of these precursors, there is a ban on sales to the public.