You need a licence or permit to store explosives unless you:

• are storing a limited quantity of exempt explosives, as listed in Schedule 4 of the Explosives Regulation 2017
• have another explosives licence that authorises the storage of the explosive
• are storing explosives at a government reserve.

Licences vs permits

Licences authorise you to store explosives on an ongoing basis.

Permits allow you to store explosives temporarily at a site for a short period due to unforeseen, unplanned or transitory reasons, or in relation to a permit to import or export explosives.

A special permit to store explosives at an arms fair is also available.

Application requirements

Check the application form for a list of requirements, including requirements for security clearances for security-sensitive explosives and a safety and security management system.

Publicly listed corporations must appoint a responsible person for explosives matters if they have not already done so.

How to apply

Your application should include:

• application form for the relevant licence or permit
  • Form E207 – Application for a licence or permit to store explosives
  • or
  • Application for permit to store explosives at an arms fair (PDF, 117KB)
• licence fee (see below)
• supporting documents (according to the required documentation on the application form).

Fees and payment options

Licence fees can only be paid via credit card (BPOINT) following submission of the online form. Read more about payment of licence fees.

Licence holders must store their explosives in accordance with:

• Australian Standard AS 2187.1 for class 1 explosives
• Explosives information bulletin 53 for security-sensitive ammonium nitrate
• AEISG Code of practice - Storage and handling of UN3375 - Edition 4 May 2017 (PDF, 2.4MB)

or either

• an alternative safety measure for the 3 types of explosives above
• a safety measure approved by the Chief Inspector for explosives other than those mentioned above.

Licence holders must:

• take reasonable precautions to prevent and minimise the likely effects of an explosives incident
• have a safety management system and a security management system.

If you hold a licence or permit to store explosives, you must keep the licence or permit, or a copy of the licence or permit, at the storage facility.

Explosives may only be provided to a person who is authorised to possess the explosive.

You must also:

• conduct inspections at least every 3 months and keep records of these inspections
• keep a record of explosives received at, or supplied to a person from, a storage facility for your authority. Records must include the type and amount of explosive received or supplied, and the day and time they were received or supplied
• record the name of the person who was supplied with the explosives and details of their licence or permit allowing them to possess the explosives
• record the amount of explosives stored in the facility immediately after the receipt or supply
• conduct stocktakes to determine the amount of explosives stored in a facility and identify any discrepancies. If you identify any discrepancies, you must properly investigate it and then give the Chief Inspector a written report stating the discrepancy, the findings of the investigation and the measures you've taken to stop it reoccurring
• give the Chief Inspector notice of any material change to a storage facility or the facility's surrounding area if you know that the change increases the risk associated with the facility.

Also consider...

• Read more about collecting ammunition.

We have put aside large areas of land known as 'explosives reserves' for the safe storage, distribution and disposal of explosives.

Individuals and companies can use the government explosives reserves if they hold the appropriate licences issued by the Chief Inspector of Explosives. Other government entities with vested interests in the safety and security of explosives, and protecting the community, also use the reserves.

To arrange to use a government explosives reserve, contact the manager of the reserve.

Anyone intending to store explosives at a government magazine is required to lodge a request using the Request to store explosives at a government magazine form.

Note: A full range of services may not be available at all government reserves. Check with the manager of the reserve first.

About the reserves

There are 4 explosives reserves (or 'magazines'), each located near a port:

• Bajool (near Port Alma)
• Brookhill (near Townsville)
• Helidon (near Brisbane)
• Queerah (near Cairns).

The services provided by explosives reserves include:

• secure explosives storehouses
• incinerators for disposing of explosives
• testing and demolition ranges
• explosives workshops
• a weighbridge (at Bajool only)
• transit storage areas
• container stuffing/de-stuffing areas
• ammonium nitrate storage pads
• transit explosives vehicle areas
• storage of explosives as evidence for Queensland Police or the inspectorate
• storing seized explosives
• collection and pickup service for unwanted explosives
• demonstration of the power of explosives
• law enforcement agency training.

Benefits of using a government reserve

The benefits of using government reserves include having:

• centralised, secure storage depots for the large quantities of explosives that mining and construction industries use
• inspection and testing facilities to control the safety of products
• the ability to monitor all aspects of distribution and handling (ensuring only those operations of acceptable standards are permitted)
• facilities that enable effective responses to critical situations, such as impounded explosives, deteriorated explosives and court exhibits
• competitive supplies of explosives available (an independent service to all explosives manufacturers, suppliers and users)
• explosives facilities situated next to the government reserves, minimising the risk to the community.

Government magazine access cards for reserves

You must have a government magazine access card to enter secure areas of government explosives reserves unsupervised on authorised business.

If you have a government magazine access card, you must comply with all reserve site rules. You cannot disclose confidential information about reserve operations to anyone outside the reserve, including unauthorised members of your company.

Each reserve manages the issue of government magazine access cards, site inductions for the reserve and ongoing access. You may use your government magazine access card only at the reserve that issued it to you.

Information about the use of the government magazine access card can be provided to the licence holder (if applicable). The access card remains the property of the reserve and can be revoked at any time.

Security clearance requirements

Government magazine access cards can only be issued to individuals (including employees of authority holders).

Each individual who needs access to the facility will need to obtain a security clearance before they can be issued a government magazine access card.

How to apply

To apply, provide the relevant reserve administration office with:

• a letter from your employer stating that an access card is essential for authorised business activities within the reserve
• a completed E116 – Government magazine access card application form (PDF, 764KB)
• the application fee of $48.16 (excl. GST).

Read about payment options and make sure you include an acceptable methods of payment form (PDF, 305KB) with your application.

Note: If your card isn't issued within 6 weeks, contact the Explosives Inspectorate.

Replacing a lost or stolen card

If you card is lost or stolen, provide the relevant reserve administration office with a completed E116 – Government magazine access card application form (PDF, 764KB).

The cost of a replacement card is $48.16 (excl. GST).

Fees for using a government reserve

For the 2024–25 financial year, there has been no increase to the fees. Fee amounts remain at the same rate as the previous financial year (2023–24). No additional fees or increases have been made.

Acceptable methods of payment are cheque, money order, credit card or electronic funds transfer (EFT). You'll need to arrange with staff at the government reserve before making payment via EFT.

• Read information bulletin 63 to find fees for using a government explosives reserve.

Also consider...

• Read how to report explosives incidents.