Applying for an authority to store 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.

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 versus 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.

Apply

Permit

Your permit application, to store explosives on a one-off occurrence, must include:

form E113 – Permit to store application form (PDF, 306KB)
licence fee (see table below)
supporting documents (according to the required documentation on the application form).

Licence

You must apply for a licence via the RSHQ 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 Licencing & 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)
storage site plan
evidence of compliance
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 a primary contact in relation to explosives matters, which must be accompanied by a letter signed by the director or partner authorising the person, and a certified identification document for that employee.

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 class	Licence type	Licence fee and period
Permit to store explosives	N/A	Nil
Licence to store explosives	For blasting explosives up to 100kg	1 year – $131.85 (excl. GST) 5 years – $659.25 (excl. GST)
Licence to store explosives	For blasting explosives greater than 100kg	1 year – $515.34 (excl. GST) 5 years – $2,576.70 (excl. GST)
Licence to store explosives	For propellant powders up to 100kg	1 year – $49.54 (excl. GST) 5 years – $247.70 (excl. GST)
Licence to store explosives	For propellant powders greater than 100kg but not greater than 250kg	1 year – $131.85 (excl. GST) 5 years – $659.25 (excl. GST)
Licence to store explosives	For propellant powders greater than 250kg	1 year – $515.34 (excl. GST) 5 years – $2,576.70 (excl. GST)
Licence to store explosives	For fireworks up to 100kg (gross weight)	1 year – $49.54 (excl. GST) 5 years – $247.70 (excl. GST)
Licence to store explosives	For fireworks greater than 100kg (gross weight)	1 year – $515.34 (excl. GST) 5 years – $2,576.70 (excl. GST)
Licence to store explosives	For explosives not mentioned above, not more than 100kg, including SSAN	1 year – $49.54 (excl. GST) 5 years – $247.70 (excl. GST)
Licence to store explosives	For explosives not mentioned above, greater than 100kg, including SSAN	1 year – $515.34 (excl. GST) 5 years – $2,576.70 (excl. GST)