The importation and sale of scratch bombs was not illegal prior to the annoucement on Thursday November 22, 2018 by the Minister of National Security and Communications, the Honourable Stuart Young.
"I have seen it being said that the importation and sale of scratch bombs is already illegal.
I respectfully direct you to section 37 of the Explosives Act, Chap 16:02 and the power of the Minister (Minister of National Security), who may by Order, prohibit absolutely, or subject to conditions or restrictions, the manufacture, keeping, importation, conveyance and sale or any of them of any explosive which is of so dangerous a character that, in the judgment of the Minister, it is expedient for the public safety to make the Order."
Minister Young said it is well known that the sale and importation of “explosives” in forms commonly known as “scratch bombs” takes place.
There is no Order made under the Explosives Act banning the importation and sale of “scratch bombs”.
He reiterated that "As per Cabinet’s decision today (November 22, 2018), as Minister of National Security, I intend to make an Order covering, in the broadest possible terms, all categories of explosives that are generically described as “scratch bombs” making it illegal for anyone to import and sell this category of explosives.
This is the first time that such an Order under the Explosives Act will be made in relation to scratch bombs."