On 3 March 2026, Latvian State Security Service (VDD) organised a seminar for entrepreneurs on questions pertaining to the security of circulation of explosives precursors. Representatives of Latvian companies involved in the trade of precursors were informed on how to recognise suspicious attempts to purchase precursors and how to react if explosives precursors are stolen or lost.
VDD officers informed the participants about terrorism threat trends in Latvia and Europe, responsibilities of entrepreneurs involved in the trade of precursors, as well as the function of the national contact point* for reporting suspicious transactions with explosives precursors. VDD also informed the participants about current events in the field of precursors and the planned changes in regulatory framework**.
VDD regularly organises similar briefings on security issues related to the circulation of precursors. Informative events of such kind constitutes a part of preventive measures in the field of counterterrorism.
Explosives precursors are specific substances and compounds of them that can be used to prepare explosives. These substances are primarily sold for other purposes, such as for use in agriculture, construction or pharmacy. However, according to current terrorism trends in Europe, improvised explosive devices made from such substances are commonly used in terrorist attacks aiming to inflict as many casualties as possible. To limit the use of precursors for illegal purposes and preventively reduce terrorist attack organisation possibilities, the European Union has a centralised mechanism in place for the circulation of precursors.
*VDD is Latvia’s national point of contact for reporting suspicious transactions with precursors, as well as their loss or thefts.
** Regulation (EU) 2019/1148 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the marketing and use of explosives precursors, amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 98/2013.
Information prepared by VDD
Illustrative photo, Freepik
