Proposed new security regulations for sellers of ammonium nitrate have been published by the federal Department of Natural Resources.
The proposed regulations are designed to make it difficult for terrorists or criminals to get access to fertilizer and other chemicals that can be made into explosives.
The rules will require that anyone who sells the restricted components enrol with the Explosives Regulatory Division of Natural Resources Canada, comply with security measures, ensure accurate record keeping practices and in the case of ammonium nitrate sales, provide an annual report.
Dealers would be required to deny a sale and report the situation to the police and the department if the amount to be purchased is not proportional to the needs, or if there is reason to believe that the product will be used for a criminal purpose.
The regulations were developed in consultation with the Canadian Fertilizer Institute and other industry groups.
The public may comment on the proposals for 90 days following the Aug. 12 publication in the Canada Gazette.
