Manufacturing explosives

You can apply for a licence or registration to manufacture and/or store explosives from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

There are two types of application form:

1. An explosives licence is used for three types of application: 

• the manufacture only of explosives
• the manufacture and storage of explosives
• the storage only of highly sensitive or large volumes of explosives

Download an explosives manufacturing licence application form (PDF, 328K).

2. An explosives registration allows for the storage of lower volumes or less sensitive explosives.

An explosives registration is the most commonly used application and in Northern Ireland the majority of registrations are for businesses who sell fireworks.

Download an explosives registration application form (PDF, 190K).

A licence or registration commonly lasts for five years, although in some circumstances this may be less. 

You will have to pay a fee to:

• apply for a licence or registration
• renew a licence or registration
• amend a licence or registration

Information on current fees can be obtained by emailing feb@justice-ni.gov.uk.

Explosives manufacturing licence and registration application process

Steps in the application process can include:

• the submission of your application form along with site plans
• a site inspection visit by a DOJ authorised representative
• checks for criminal or health and safety related convictions
• checks for Trading Standards violations and for planning permission information
• a Public Hearing may be deemed necessary

There may also be follow-up inspections before a certificate is issued, if the application inspection identifies actions needed in advance of explosives being allowed on site.

As the applicant you are responsible for ensuring the appropriate planning approvals are in place.

The police (PSNI) will be consulted on arrangements for securely transporting and storing explosives.

Your application can be refused in exceptional circumstances, typically on grounds of site safety or your fitness to store explosives.