Manufacturing explosives

Explosives come in many forms and substances and have a range of different uses. The exact types of explosive you manufacture and work with determines your responsibilities under the law.

What are explosive substances?

An explosive substance means a substance or preparation which is either:

• capable by chemical reaction in itself of producing gas at a temperature, pressure and speed as could cause damage to surroundings
• designed to produce an effect by heat, light, sound, gas or smoke (or any combination) as a result of a non-detonative, self-sustaining, exothermic chemical reaction

This does not include gases or mixtures of gases, nor where other substances or preparation cause the explosive reaction.

Types of explosives covered by manufacturing legislation

Regulation of explosives covers the manufacture, storage and handling of all explosives, including:

• blasting explosives
• propellants, detonators and detonating cord
• fireworks and other pyrotechnic articles
• ammunition
• other explosive articles such as air bags and seat belt pre-tensioners

The activities covered include the manufacture of explosives and intermediate products for on-site mixing and storage.

Prohibition on the manufacture of certain explosives

You cannot manufacture or store any pyrotechnic article containing sulphur or phosphorus mixed with chlorate of potassium or other chlorates without separate application to the Department of Justice (DOJ).