Chemical Technology Standards Summary - October 2025: Explosives for Civil Uses (Part 2)

Looking back at October 2025, the Chemical Technology sector experienced a significant wave of standardization activity centered on the safety, verification, and operational requirements of explosives for civil uses. Five new standards—spanning detonator requirements and rigorous performance tests for explosives—were published, reflecting a maturing regulatory environment in which risk control, operational reliability, and compliance assurance are paramount. For industry professionals, compliance officers, and procurement specialists, this retrospective provides critical insights into the advances and priorities shaping explosive technology and safety in Europe and beyond.

Monthly Overview: October 2025

October 2025 was marked by an unmistakable focus on enhancing the safety, reliability, and quality of explosives used in civil engineering, mining, and infrastructure projects. The harmonized release of several parts in the EN 13631 series, along with a significant update to detonator requirements (EN 13763-1), indicated a strong drive to unify and clarify key technical and safety benchmarks. Notably, this set of standards collectively addresses both the performance and the resilience of explosives and their initiation systems, underlining an industry-wide commitment to reducing hazards from environmental exposures and accidental initiation.

Comparatively, this month stood out for the concentration of standards targeting verification-based properties (velocity of detonation, insensitiveness to impact, water and hydrostatic pressure resistance) for primary explosive applications. Furthermore, significant updates to the requirements for detonators and detonating cord relays highlight the sector's move toward a more systematic, risk-mitigated approach to the complete explosive supply chain. These trends reflect tightening regulatory requirements and reinforce the need for comprehensive testing and performance validation.

Standards Published This Month

EN 13631-14:2025 - Verification of the velocity of detonation of explosives for blasting

Explosives for civil uses – Explosives for blasting, boosters and explosive substances – Part 14: Verification of the velocity of detonation of explosives for blasting

This standard specifies two primary test methods for determining the velocity of detonation (VOD) in explosives intended for blasting applications. Covering both confined and unconfined conditions, EN 13631-14:2025 provides step-by-step guidance on sample preparation, apparatus requirements, initiation methods (using detonators, boosters, or detonating cords), and result evaluation. Importantly, it does not apply to boosters or black powder, focusing solely on blasting explosives. This revision introduces updates to definitions, apparatus alternatives (including continuous probe techniques), and places a more practical emphasis on test report requirements—removing the earlier conformity requirement with EN ISO/IEC 17025.

Stakeholders in quarrying, mining, and infrastructure demolition should integrate these updated VOD test methods to ensure explosives meet modern performance benchmarks and to comply with European Directive 2014/28/EU on making civil explosives available on the market.

Key highlights:

• Defines start-stop and continuous methods for VOD measurement
• Specifies both confined and unconfined testing procedures
• Clarifies exclusion of boosters and black powder; updates normative references

Access the full standard:View EN 13631-14:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN 13631-4:2025 - Verification of the insensitiveness to impact

Explosives for civil uses – Explosives for blasting, boosters and explosive substances – Part 4: Verification of the insensitiveness to impact of explosives for blasting and explosive substances

EN 13631-4:2025 lays down the method for verifying the resistance of explosives for blasting (and certain propellants, including black powder for specific uses) to accidental initiation by mechanical impact. The standard outlines the use of drop-weight apparatus and sample preparation protocols for various physical forms (solid, paste, liquid), ensuring a harmonized approach to impact insensitivity verification across the industry. Notably, this revision shifts the focus from determining the degree of sensitivity to verifying that impact insensitivity meets a specific threshold, thereby aligning with new risk mitigation strategies.

This standard applies broadly across applications where accidental mechanical initiation is a critical risk, including mining, blasting, and pyrotechnics. Updated report and procedure sections enhance clarity, bolstering traceability and regulatory compliance.

Key highlights:

• Universal drop-weight methodology for diverse explosive forms
• Mandatory compliance for manufacturers, handlers, and testers
• Streamlined sample preparation and concise test reporting

Access the full standard:View EN 13631-4:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN 13631-5:2025 - Verification of the resistance to water

Explosives for civil uses – Explosives for blasting, boosters and explosive substances – Part 5: Verification of the resistance to water of explosives for blasting and boosters

EN 13631-5:2025 specifies test methods to verify water resistance in blasting explosives and boosters—a critical property, as exposure to water or high humidity can undermine detonation reliability and safety. The standard meticulously describes apparatus setup, sample construction (distinguishing between cartridged and bulk explosives), and immersion protocols. It also mandates differentiation based on whether the casing is integral to water resistance, prescribing additional notching and preliminary tests as needed.

Applicable in mining, tunneling, and demolition projects, this standard responds to the widespread need for explosive performance in wet or humid conditions. Improved test clarity and annexed reporting enhance both industrial applicability and safety outcomes.

Key highlights:

• Comprehensive immersion and initiation testing after water exposure
• Preliminary casing tests for cartridged explosives where the casing confers water resistance
• Mandatory for operations where wetted explosive reliability is critical

Access the full standard:View EN 13631-5:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN 13631-6:2025 - Verification of the resistance to hydrostatic pressure

Explosives for civil uses – Explosives for blasting, boosters and explosive substances – Part 6: Verification of the resistance to hydrostatic pressure of explosives for blasting and boosters

This standard offers a harmonized method for testing the ability of explosives to withstand hydrostatic pressure at maximum service temperatures—crucial for operations such as deep-water blasting or underwater demolition. EN 13631-6:2025 provides guidelines for apparatus design (including pressurized test tubes with accurate temperature and pressure control), sample preparation, and the sequencing of exposure and initiation. It applies to cartridged, bulk explosives, and boosters, but not to black powder or other explosive substances not intended for blasting.

For organizations conducting blasting operations in deep boreholes or submerged contexts, compliance with this standard is essential for validating product suitability and maintaining safety compliance.

Key highlights:

• Simulates real-world hydrostatic conditions at service temperatures
• Applicability for both cartridged and bulk explosive forms
• Updates reporting and test protocols for modern regulatory environments

Access the full standard:View EN 13631-6:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN 13763-1:2025 - Requirements for detonators and detonating cord relays

Explosives for civil uses – Detonators and detonating cord relays – Part 1: Requirements

This pivotal standard specifies requirements for an entire spectrum of detonator types (electric, non-electric, electronic, plain, and semi-finished), electronic initiation systems, surface connectors, shock tubes, and detonating cord relays. EN 13763-1:2025 not only updates the scope to include new products and technologies but also lays out detailed criteria for properties such as thermal stability, shock resistance, resistance to environmental hazards, and compliance with essential European directives.

With systematic differentiation for each detonator type, this standard enables manufacturers, users, and testing laboratories to approach compliance with a clear, modular structure—aligning testing, procurement, and safety management with current best practices and regulatory mandates.

Key highlights:

• Covers the broadest range of detonator and initiation products to date
• Modular structure for property verification and information to be provided
• Strong alignment with EU Directive 2014/28/EU and technical companion standards

Access the full standard:View EN 13763-1:2025 on iTeh Standards

Common Themes and Industry Trends

A review of the standards published in October 2025 reveals several interlocking themes:

• Emphasis on Verification: All five standards prioritize rigorous verification over general specification. Whether measuring velocity, water resistance, hydrostatic pressure, or impact insensitivity, the sector is pivoting toward comprehensive, test-driven approaches that minimize ambiguity and error.
• Risk Mitigation and Environmental Resilience: There is a sustained focus on evaluating how environmental factors—water, high pressure, and impact—can lead to failures or safety incidents. The intent is clear: products must reliably perform not just under ideal conditions, but also under foreseeable operational stressors.
• Alignment with EU Directives: Throughout this month’s releases, references to EU Directive 2014/28/EU and harmonized annexes demonstrate sustained regulatory harmonization across Europe, driving common practices for civil use explosives.
• Comprehensive Product Coverage: Especially notable in EN 13763-1:2025 is the systematic expansion to include electronic detonators and initiation systems, reflecting ongoing technological evolution in explosives and associated equipment.

Industries such as civil engineering, mining, tunneling, and special demolition are most directly impacted. There is also a clear signal to both manufacturers and end-users: robust, standardized testing is now a non-negotiable expectation—not only for product qualification, but for operational safety and market access.

Compliance and Implementation Considerations

Organizations working with explosives for civil uses need to adopt strategic measures in response to these October 2025 standards:

1. Immediate Review and Gap Analysis: Quality managers and compliance officers should assess existing procedures and products against the new verification requirements, identifying any shortfalls in VOD testing, water/hydrostatic resistance, and impact insensitivity.
2. Update of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Incorporate the detailed protocols from EN 13631-14, -4, -5, and -6 into laboratory and field-testing workflows. Where necessary, update procurement and audit checklists to match the new modular requirements in EN 13763-1.
3. Training and Competency: Ensure that technical staff, laboratory technicians, and field personnel are trained in the updated test methods, apparatus usage, and reporting requirements. This is essential not only for compliance but also for sustaining a safety culture.
4. Supplier Coordination: Communicate revised requirements to suppliers and contractors, demanding evidence of compliance with these new standards—especially for detonators and boosters.
5. Compliance Timeline: Given the European standards implementation framework, organizations must be prepared for conflicting national standards to be withdrawn by April 2026. Early adoption is recommended to avoid business disruption or regulatory penalties.
6. Use of Resources: Utilize the detailed annexes, bibliographies, and cross-references embedded in these standards to support proper implementation and ensure traceability in the event of regulatory reviews or incident investigations.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways from October 2025

October 2025 stands out as a landmark period for European and global chemical technology stakeholders, especially for those working with explosives for civil uses. The month’s published standards represent a collective strengthening of technical requirements, verification methodologies, and regulatory harmonization:

• Operational Reliability: By adopting the new standards on VOD, impact insensitivity, and resistance to water and hydrostatic pressure, organizations position their operations for greater reliability in often-challenging environmental conditions.
• Unified Product Requirements: EN 13763-1:2025 offers a path to unified requirements for detonators and initiation systems, catering to rapid technological advancements in explosives initiation technology.
• Risk Reduction: The shift toward rigorous, test-based verification strengthens the European market’s reputation for safety and quality—foundational attributes for regulatory compliance, public safety, and competitive commercial performance.

For engineers, safety officers, quality managers, and procurement professionals, ongoing vigilance is essential. Regularly review and update internal practices, invest in training and robust documentation, and leverage authoritative resources—like iTeh Standards—for access to the complete texts and supporting information on every standard.

Staying current isn’t just about regulatory compliance—it’s about building organizational resilience, protecting personnel and public safety, and enabling competitive success in the modern marketplace.