When everyday products gain explosive power

In 2023, fedpol began recording every purchase of precursors by private individuals, thereby improving traceability and enhancing public safety. The number of transactions has remained stable and, as expected, fewer acquisition licences are being issued.

What do swimming pools and maize fields have in common? Hydrogen peroxide is used to disinfect swimming pools, and the fertiliser used for maize fields is made with ammonium nitrate. Both of these substances contain precursors that, in certain concentrations and doses, can be misused to manufacture explosives.

The term ‘homemade explosives’ (HMEs) is used to describe substances manufactured in an improvised laboratory outside of industrial production. The manufacturing process alone poses a high risk of explosion – which would also pollute the surrounding environment and endanger the emergency service workers tasked with removing the explosive residue. HMEs are often used by terrorists and members of criminal organisations to carry out attacks on ATMs.

To prevent misuse of precursors and avert the associated risks, private individuals are required to apply for a federal licence in order to purchase precursors in certain concentrations. This regulation came into effect in 2023, when the new Federal Act on Precursors for Explosive Substances (PESA) (available in German, French and Italian) entered into force.

As expected, the number of acquisition licences issued fell slightly in 2025, dropping from 719 to 504. fedpol introduced the licences in 2023, and each had a validity period of three years. This explains the high number issued in 2023. In addition to the licences, retailers log each transaction by private individuals involving precursors in fedpol’s information system, enabling better traceability of products and purchases. This is a crucial step towards greater public safety.

In 2025, nine administrative criminal proceedings were initiated for breaches of the PESA. Some of these instances involved individuals who ordered precursors abroad and were reported to fedpol by foreign partner authorities. In other cases, individuals attempted to import the prohibited precursors into Switzerland, but they were intercepted by the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security.