Article 23 / Entry into force and application
1.
This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
2.
It shall apply from 1 February 2021.
3.
Notwithstanding paragraph 2, licences that have been validly issued under Regulation (EU) No 98/2013 shall remain valid either until the date of validity originally stated on those licences or until 2 February 2022, whichever is the sooner.
4.
Any applications for the renewal of the licences referred to in paragraph 3 that are made on or after 1 February 2021 shall be made in accordance with this Regulation.
5.
Notwithstanding Article 5(1), the possession, introduction and use by members of the general public of restricted explosives precursors that were legally acquired before 1 February 2021 shall be allowed until 2 February 2022.