Applying for a licence to sell explosives
You must have a current Queensland Explosives Security Clearance (QESC) if you are applying for a security-sensitive explosives-related licence, which includes fireworks.
From 1 July 2026, use the RSHQ Portal to apply, renew, and manage your QESC, licences, and notifications—for simpler, faster and smarter licensing and compliance.
A licence to sell explosives allows you to buy and sell nominated explosives and to store a limited quantity at a designated location.
Apply
You must apply via the RHSQ Portal (the Portal).
If you have a current licence or Queensland Explosives Security Clearance (QESC):
- Log in to your existing Portal account
- if you have forgotten your password, you'll need to reset it
- if you can't remember the email address to log in, email explicensing@rshq.qld.gov.au.
- Go to Licensing & clearances.
- Select Explosives applications to begin your application.
If you have not held a RSHQ licence or a QESC in the past 12 months:
- Sign up to create a Portal account
- find help resources for using the Portal.
- Complete an identity verification in the Portal.
- Submit a QESC application – you (or applicable directors/partners/responsible person) must hold a valid security clearance before applying for the licence.
- To apply for a business account, complete the individual sign-up process then submit a business account setup request via the Manage & update menu in the Portal.
- Submit your application in the Portal.
Supporting documents
As part of the Portal application process, you'll need to pay the licence fee (see fees below) and upload copies of the following supporting documents—detailed document requirements are specified in the Portal during the application process:
- safety and security management system (SSMS)
- and
- depending on the type of business making the application
- corporations/registered companies – a copy of the current Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) extract
- listed corporations – details of an appointed responsible person for explosives matters
- partnerships – certified copies of the current certificate of registration of the business name and evidence of registration of the partnership.
For corporations, listed corporations, and partnerships, you must also provide an authorised contact in relation to explosives matters, which must be accompanied by a letter signed by the director or partner authorising the person to act on behalf of the organisation.
Fees and payment options
Licence fees must be paid via credit card following submission of the application in the Portal. Read more about payment of licence fees.
Fees for licences to sell explosives
| Licence class | Licence type | Licence fee and period |
|---|---|---|
| Licence to sell explosives | For blasting explosives |
1 year –
$103.95 (excl. GST) 5 years – $519.76 (excl. GST) |
| Licence to sell explosives | For propellant powders |
1 year –
$103.95 (excl. GST) 5 years – $519.76 (excl. GST) |
| Licence to sell explosives | For fireworks |
1 year –
$103.95 (excl. GST) 5 years – $519.76 (excl. GST) |
| Licence to sell explosives | For ammunition |
1 year –
$19.20 (excl. GST) 5 years – $96.02 (excl. GST) |
| Licence to sell explosives | For an explosive not mentioned above, including SSAN |
1 year –
$103.95 (excl. GST) 5 years – $519.76 (excl. GST) |
Obligations of licence holders
If you have a licence to sell explosives in Queensland, you must:
- sell only to people who have a licence to sell, store or use the explosive (not fireworks), or are authorised under the Explosives Regulation 2017 for the explosives endorsed on the licence
- for sale of security sensitive explosives, validate the licence of new and existing clients before the sale takes place
- not sell an explosive in a public place
- stop buying, possessing, storing and selling small arms ammunition if you cancel a licence to sell small arms ammunition, unless you're a licensed firearms dealer under the Weapons Act 1990
- keep records of explosives you buy and sell
- have a safety and security management system and security plan if the explosives are security-sensitive explosives.