ENFSI Monopoly Programme
Definition
The European Network of Forensic Science Institutes working group on explosives and gunshot residue analysis, which coordinates inter-laboratory method harmonisation and cross-border case comparison for post-blast investigation across EU member laboratories.
- Parent body
- ENFSI
- Scope
- Explosives and gunshot residue analysis coordination
- Activity
- Inter-laboratory method harmonisation
- Also covers
- Cross-border case comparison for post-blast investigation
Common questions
How does this programme differ from the general ENFSI Explosives Working Group (EWG)?+
Both operate under the explosives and GSR discipline, coordinating harmonised methods and cross-border comparison; a reader encountering both names in different sources should treat them as related programmes within the same ENFSI explosives and GSR remit rather than assume a single universally used name.
Why does cross-border case comparison matter for post-blast investigation specifically?+
Explosive precursor sourcing and device construction often span national borders, so being able to compare residue and device-component findings directly across member laboratories helps link related incidents that a single country's data alone would not reveal.
Related terms
- ATF Explosives Industry Programs Branch (EIPB)
- The US federal unit within the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responsible for licensing, compliance inspection, and database management for...
- Bridgewire
- The high-resistance wire element within an electric detonator, typically nichrome or platinum-iridium, that converts firing current into heat to ignite the pyrotechnic...
- Deflagration-to-Detonation Transition (DDT)
- The acceleration of a deflagrating burn front to supersonic detonation velocity, triggered by confinement. Relevant to understanding how improvised devices using low...
- Detonating Cord
- A cord with a PETN explosive core (5-40 g/m) that detonates at approximately 6,400 m/s when initiated. Used to connect multiple charges...
- Electric Detonator (Blasting Cap)
- A metal-shell initiating device containing a bridgewire assembly, primary explosive (lead azide), and output charge (PETN or RDX). Firing current through the...
- Nonel Shock-Tube System
- A non-electric initiating system using a hollow plastic tube coated internally with approximately 18 mg/m of HMX. A low-energy shock propagates through...
- PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation)
- The Indian regulatory authority under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry that administers the Explosive Substances Act 1908 and subordinate rules, including...
- Safety Fuse
- A black powder-cored initiating cord burning at approximately 8-10 mm/s. Used for controlled delay ignition; forensic signature is black powder residue at...
- Unique Identifier (UI)
- A mandatory traceable code on each commercial detonator sold in the UK and EU post-2013, required by the Explosives for Civil Use...