What kind of explosives are IEDs often referred to as?

Improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, are specifically designed to carry out an act of terrorism or sabotage. The term "improvised" distinguishes these devices from standardized explosives that are manufactured and marketed for commercial or military purposes. IEDs can utilize various components and materials, often repurposed or assembled in unconventional ways to create explosive effects. This makes them unique compared to commercial explosives, which are formally produced and regulated, or high-grade military explosives, which are strictly designed and used by armed forces.

Additionally, stabilized explosives might refer to explosives that are engineered to maintain their explosive power under various conditions, but this does not capture the essence of what IEDs are. The label "improvised explosive devices" directly reflects their nature and construction, emphasizing their often makeshift assembly using everyday items or readily available materials by non-state actors.