Explosives Licence

Consumer Protection and Investigations register the storage of certain explosives. If you store any of the following then you will need to register:

• Small arms nitro compound
• Safety cartridges
• Black powder
• Marine flares
• Bird scarers
• Pyrotechnics
• Rocket motors
• Detonators or airbags

Regulation

• Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005

Apply

• Application form for the registration or licence of explosives (and fireworks) (PDF, 125KB)
• Application form for a licence to sell explosives (and fireworks) (PDF, 84KB)

Guidance

• Guidance for storage and retailing of explosives (PDF, 129KB)
• Risk assessment guidance (PDF, 139KB)
• Guidance for storing hazard type 4 pyrotechnics (PDF, 102KB)
• Separation distances for Hazard Type 3 explosives (PDF 58KB)
• Separation distances for Hazard Type 4 explosives (PDF, 78KB)
• Guidance on amount of pyrotechnic articles which may be kept in sales areas in relation to registration and floor area  (PDF, 57KB)

Fees

• Fees for Safety Licences schedule (PDF, 108KB)

Application Evaluation Process

The storage of explosive items is set out in the regulation and you should contact us for advice.  Our officers carry out inspections at registered premises to ensure that explosives are stored and sold in a safe manner

Offences and Penalties

If explosives are kept on non-registered premises or if an offence is committed with respect to the quantity of explosives kept or the method of storage, the courts may impose, on conviction, a fine, or in some cases may order the explosives to be forfeited.