Apply for a licence to import and export explosives or security sensitive dangerous substances

Introduction

If you want to import explosives or security sensitive dangerous substances (SSDS), you need a licence from SafeWork NSW.

The licence is valid for 5 years, and allows you to purchase, possess, store, supply, and if approved, export the materials specified on the licence. It does not allow you to transport them – a separate licence is required to transport explosives or SSDS.

An individual, or the nominated person for a corporation, can apply.

Eligibility

You must:

• be 18 years old or over
• hold a current NSW security clearance (SC), or have lodged an SC application
• have adequate arrangements in place for the safe handling and storage of explosives and/or SSDS
• have a legitimate reason for requesting the licence.

What you need

• corporation details (if applicable)
• the application fee payment
• your reason/s for requesting a licence
• your security clearance (SC) licence details, or evidence you have lodged an SC licence application
• statement outlining your experience and knowledge in:
  • the safe handling, storage and transport of explosives and SSDS
  • Australian Explosives Code
  • Australian Dangerous Goods Code
  • Australian Standards AS2187 and/or AS4326
• training and qualifications (if applicable)
• details of interstate explosives licence/s (if applicable)
• site and storage details
• details of the explosives or SSDS to be imported and/or exported
• details of the explosives and/or SSDS to be stored (if applicable)
• details of the explosives and/or SSDS to be supplied (if applicable)
• a security plan, including
  • satellite image or other map indicating the storage location of the explosives
  • site sketch of storage location
  • GPS coordinates for storage location
• confirmation that the quantities in this application align with the security plan and emergency plan
• assessment of separation distances
• emergency contact's details, and emergency plan
• evidence for the submission of the emergency plan to Fire and Rescue NSW
• evidence for the submission of the emergency plan to NSW Rural Fire Service (if the facility is located in a rural fire district).

How to apply

1. Select the 'Apply online' button.
2. Complete the form.
3. Collect all the required documentation including the material and payment needed for your SC application (if applicable).
4. Submit your application with payment.

More information

• You must notify SafeWork NSW 5 working days before any explosives and/or SSDS are imported or exported.
• The nominated person for a company must be involved in the management of the company. If that person ceases to be the nominated person, for example if they resign, the company must nominate another person to take responsibility for the licence within 7 days.
• If you're lodging your application for an SC licence at the same time, it will have to be approved before your import application will be processed.
• The SC licence was previously called an unsupervised handling licence (UHL).
• If you're storing hazardous chemicals you must notify SafeWork NSW.
• As a licence holder, you must:
  • ensure that only people with a valid security clearance have access to explosives or SSDS
  • comply with the requirements of your licence and the explosives legislation or the licence may be suspended or cancelled
  • notify SafeWork NSW within 14 days if there are any changes to your licence or contact details, or changes to the quantity and location of the explosives or SSDS.