Chemical Technology Standards Overview: Highlights from October 2025

Looking back at October 2025, the Chemical Technology field experienced a significant period of standardization activity, with five pivotal standards shaping practices in mass spectrometry calibration and the handling of explosives for civil applications. These publications reflect a coordinated push toward greater precision, safety, and harmonization within the industry. For professionals, compliance officers, and engineers keen on maintaining the integrity of their operations, staying updated with these developments is paramount.

Monthly Overview: October 2025

October 2025 was marked by a focused release of standards spanning two key domains within Chemical Technology: high-precision surface chemical analysis and the use, assessment, and storage of civil explosives. A prominent theme was the revision and harmonization of requirements and test methods, especially in European standards, to reflect evolving industrial practices and regulatory landscapes. Compared to previous periods that often concentrated on broader chemical processes, October's portfolio was weighted towards explosives handling and analytical calibration—a response both to advances in technology and growing safety and precision demands worldwide.

These publications suggest a conscious shift in industry priorities: enhancing analytical accuracy for complex surface analyses, and minimizing risks in explosive materials through rigorously tested and internationally harmonized protocols. Organizations operating in explosives manufacturing, civil engineering, mining, laboratory analysis, and safety oversight should take particular note of these changes.

Standards Published This Month

ISO 13084:2025 - Surface Chemical Analysis - Mass Spectrometries - Calibration of the Mass Scale for a Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer

Surface chemical analysis — Mass spectrometries — Calibration of the mass scale for a time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometer

This ISO standard provides a robust methodology to enhance mass calibration accuracy in time-of-flight (ToF) secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), applicable across all generic ToF-SIMS instrument designs in analytical labs. The document details a stepwise approach for optimally prepping samples (notably polycarbonate on silicon substrates), acquiring high-fidelity spectral data, and calculating mass accuracy with clear iterative optimization of instrument parameters. Notably, it introduces improved calibration techniques using generic reference ions and addresses the pitfalls of extrapolating calibration beyond the recommended mass range.

Key specifications include clear guidance for regular instrument maintenance (optimization and calibration), procedures for preparing polycarbonate reference samples, fitment and use of asymmetric Gaussian functions for accurate peak placement, and annexes covering calibration uncertainty and an internal addition method.

Target users include analytical chemists, laboratory managers, instrument maintenance teams, and anyone responsible for SIMS operation in chemical, materials, and life sciences.

Key highlights:

• Procedure for achieving sub-10 ppm relative mass accuracy in SIMS
• Comprehensive, instrument-agnostic calibration framework
• Addresses both maintenance and operational calibration needs

Access the full standard:View ISO 13084:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN 13630-1:2025 - Explosives for Civil Uses - Detonating Cords and Safety Fuses - Part 1: Requirements

Explosives for civil uses – Detonating cords and safety fuses – Part 1: Requirements

A cornerstone European standard, EN 13630-1:2025 fully updates foundational requirements for detonating cords and safety fuses in civil explosives applications. Emphasizing safety, operational reliability, and information provision, it details the needed properties (thermal stability, insensitivity to friction/impact, resistance to abrasion, tension, and water), operational parameters, and documentation for product use and storage.

The standard requires explicit statements regarding temperature range, humidity conditions, initiation means, connection methods, and detonation velocities—vital for manufacturers, blasters, procurement, and regulatory agencies overseeing civil uses (mining, demolition, construction). It signals a harmonized regulatory approach, aligning with updated EU directives and reflecting lessons from industry advancements and previous standard iterations.

Key highlights:

• Revised and harmonized requirements for product safety, performance, and documentation
• Integration with updated European regulatory directives and test cross-referencing
• Applicable to a range of civil explosive scenarios, ensuring legal and operational compliance

Access the full standard:View EN 13630-1:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN 13630-5:2025 - Explosives for Civil Uses - Detonating Cords and Safety Fuses - Part 5: Verification of Resistance to Abrasion of Detonating Cords

Explosives for civil uses – Detonating cords and safety fuses – Part 5: Verification of resistance to abrasion of detonating cords

A crucial addition to the EN 13630 series, this part zeroes in on a primary risk factor—abrasion resistance of detonating cords. The standard presents a detailed, standardized abrasion test method involving specific apparatus, sample prep, and reporting requirements for detonating cord products.

The method requires precise control of instrumentation such as a specialized abrasion rotor, and mandates test reporting that supports traceability, transparency, and repeatability. It does not apply to safety fuses, underscoring the distinct handling considerations between these products.

This test is essential for manufacturers and labs that must demonstrate product durability and compliance under physical handling and transportation conditions.

Key highlights:

• Robust test procedure for verifying abrasion resistance
• Updated terminology and expanded apparatus/ sample preparation requirements
• Mandatory for quality control in production and supply chains of civil explosives

Access the full standard:View EN 13630-5:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN 13631-11:2025 - Explosives for Civil Uses - Explosives for Blasting, Boosters, and Explosive Substances - Part 11: Verification of the Transmission of Detonation of Cartridged Explosives for Blasting

Explosives for civil uses – Explosives for blasting, boosters, and explosive substances – Part 11: Verification of the transmission of detonation of cartridged explosives for blasting

This standard specifies rigorous verification methods for detonation transmission between cartridged explosives, vital for ensuring explosive efficacy and operator safety in blasting operations. The update refines apparatus requirements, sample conditioning protocols, and procedures for assessing transmission—distinguishing between tests under confined and unconfined conditions.

It notably demands preparation of test samples at minimum temperature-of-use, upgraded guidance on aligning donor/acceptor cartridges, and documentation for regulatory and operational review. The criteria for successful detonation transmission (complete detonation, validated by velocity measurement) have been clarified, enhancing consistency across laboratories.

Applicable to explosives manufacturers, mining and quarry operations, safety managers, and regulators, this standard excludes tests for bulk explosives, boosters, black powder, and related substances.

Key highlights:

• Clear, repeatable methodology for transmission testing
• Enhanced safety protocols and sample conditioning/critiques
• Aligns with demands for traceable, validated blasting operations

Access the full standard:View EN 13631-11:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN 13631-1:2025 - Explosives for Civil Uses - Explosives for Blasting, Boosters, and Explosive Substances - Part 1: Requirements

Explosives for civil uses – Explosives for blasting, boosters, and explosive substances – Part 1: Requirements

Serving as a comprehensive foundation, this revised EN 13631-1:2025 establishes performance and safety requirements for explosives used in blasting, boosters, and explosive substances, including black powder (for blasting only). It comprehensively updates the prior edition, restructuring requirements and explicitly delineating information to be provided regarding product properties, means of initiation, environmental and storage considerations, and performance metrics (density, velocity, minimum diameters, etc.).

Extensively cross-referenced with associated test standards for special properties (e.g., resistance to friction, water, hydrostatic pressure), it ensures manufacturers and users align with both operational needs and the latest regulatory expectations. The scope, now inclusive of a wider range of products, highlights the growing demand for harmonized, pan-European standards.

Professionals in manufacturing, procurement, civil engineering, and regulatory compliance should treat this as a core reference.

Key highlights:

• Major revision expands product coverage and requirements
• Structured for cross-compliance with related test methods and EU Directives
• Essential resource for full lifecycle management of civil explosives

Access the full standard:View EN 13631-1:2025 on iTeh Standards

Common Themes and Industry Trends

A review of October 2025's Chemical Technology standards reveals several recurring motifs:

• Harmonization and Revision: The month was notable for comprehensive revisions, focusing on up-to-date, harmonized criteria in safety, performance, and compliance. This supports global economic activity and trade, reducing fragmentation in civil explosives requirements across markets.
• Analytical Precision: The sole surface analysis standard (ISO 13084:2025) highlights industry's drive towards more accurate, reliable laboratory measurements—a necessity as analytical demands grow more complex (e.g., new materials, miniaturization).
• Testing Rigor: Across explosives standards, there’s a pronounced emphasis on testable performance (abrasion resistance, transmission of detonation), moving requirements from prescriptive statements to performance-based demonstrations.
• Data and Documentation: Enhanced reporting, traceability, and information provision requirements feature heavily—mirroring the rising expectation for digital record-keeping and jurisdictional transparency.
• Civil Explosives Focus: Four out of five standards address explosives for civil uses, showing industry and regulatory attention is particularly concentrated on minimizing risks and ensuring the safety and reliability of these products, especially in infrastructure development and mining.

Compliance and Implementation Considerations

For organizations impacted by these standards, October 2025's releases present crucial opportunities and responsibilities:

• Gap Assessment: Conduct a detailed review of current practices, testing protocols, and documentation against the new/revised standards (start with ISO 13084:2025 for analytical labs, EN 13630/13631 series for explosives manufacturers and users).
• Prioritization: Prioritize implementation based on market exposure, regulatory requirements, and risk assessments—civil explosives standards should take precedence for manufacturers, shippers, and users in active markets.
• Training: Update training programs for technical staff, quality control, procurement, and compliance to reflect the latest test methods, sample prep, and documentation procedures. Emphasize safe and correct use of new testing apparatus and calibration techniques.
• Supply Chain Coordination: Engage suppliers and service providers to ensure conformity along the value chain, particularly for explosives and analytical instrument vendors.
• Compliance Timelines: Note that CEN standards typically require national adoption within 6 months and conflicting national standards withdrawn, so early transition is essential.
• Resources: Leverage resources offered on iTeh Standards (https://standards.iteh.ai), including full-text access, implementation guidance, and related training materials.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways from October 2025

October 2025’s Chemical Technology standards portfolio stands out for its focus on harmonization, analytical rigor, and operational safety. The revised EN 13630 and EN 13631 series provide a new baseline for explosives handling and testing, while ISO 13084:2025 ensures labs can keep pace with advancing analytical demands. For industry professionals, the message is clear: staying abreast with such standards is not just about compliance, but about securing safe, reliable, and competitive operations.

To remain aligned with global best practices and statutory obligations, organizations should commit to proactive review, training, and integration of these standards into existing systems. The comprehensive details available via iTeh Standards are an indispensable resource for this journey—use the backlinks above to explore each document in depth.