Applying for a licence to transport 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 transport licence is required for a person operating a business of transporting explosives in Queensland by vehicle or boat.

A person under the Explosives Act 1999, refers to an individual, corporation (registered company or listed corporation) or partnership.

A transport licence can be issued for 1 or 5 years.

Exceptions for an explosives transport licence

A transport licence is not required when:

  • transporting an explosive that is part of the operational equipment of a vehicle (e.g. airbag)
  • transporting a distress signal on board a vehicle (e.g. a flare as part of a boat's safety equipment)
  • transporting an explosive on board a boat, where the owner or master is subject to the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Regulation 2016, section 88(1) or (2)
  • the person holds another type of explosives licence which authorises the transport of limited amounts of explosives (e.g. a shotfirer licence or fireworks operator licence)
  • the person is transporting explosives in a vehicle that is licenced to transport the explosives under a corresponding law.

Who can apply

An individual, corporation (registered company or listed corporation) or partnership can apply for a transport licence.

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

A listed corporation means a body corporate that is included in an official list of a prescribed financial market. Prescribed financial market is defined as 'a financial market that is prescribed by regulations made for the purpose of this definition'.

Each of the following is a prescribed financial market under section 1.0.02A of the Corporations Regulation 2001:

  1. Asia Pacific Exchange Limited
  2. ASX Limited
  3. Chi-X Australia Pty Ltd
  4. National Stock Exchange of Australia Limited
  5. SIM Venture Securities Exchange Ltd.

Apply

You must apply via the RSHQ Portal (the Portal).

If you have a current licence or Queensland Explosives Security Clearance (QESC):

  1. Log in to your existing Portal account
  2. Go to Licensing & clearances.
  3. Select Explosives applications to begin your application.

If you have not held a RSHQ licence or a QESC in the past 12 months:

  1. Sign up to create a Portal account
  2. Complete an identity verification in the Portal.
  3. Submit a QESC application – you (or applicable directors/partners/responsible person) must hold a valid security clearance before applying for the licence.
  4. 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.
  5. 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)
  • insurance policy
  • proof of registration
  • statement 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 to act on behalf of the organisation.

Note: Failure to provide all required items may result in your application being refused.

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 transport explosives

Licence class Licence fee and period
Licence to transport explosives 1 year – $136.30 (excl. GST)
5 years – $681.50 (excl. GST)

Obligations of licence holders

Licence holders must comply with the terms of their licence, as well as the following codes of practice:

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