Plastic explosives
New requirements apply from 25 August 2007
Plastic explosives – new requirements
The Australian Government has introduced new requirements on the use of plastic explosives. These new requirements apply from 25 August 2007 following Australia’s accession to the United Nations Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives for the Purpose of Detection (Montreal, 1991).
From 25 August 2007 it will be an offence to manufacture, possess, traffic in or import and export unmarked plastic explosives, unless a person or corporation has a valid written authorisation from the Attorney-General.
Unmarked plastic explosives are those which do not have a minimum concentration of one of the prescribed chemical detection agents incorporated into the plastic explosive.
A written authorisation will only be provided where the unmarked plastic explosives will be used:
- by Australian manufacturers for a 6 month period until 25 February 2008;
- by users of existing stocks of unmarked plastic explosives until 25 August 2010;
- for defence and / or police purposes;
- for research, development, testing of explosives or explosives detection equipment, training in explosives detection or forensic science.
From 25 August 2007 it will be an offence under the Customs (Prohibited Import) Regulations 1956 to import plastic explosives without a Permit.
Importing plastic explosives
If you intend to import plastic explosives you will be required to submit an Application for Permission to Import Plastic Explosives (PDF 177KB) and provide a Manufacturers Certificate (PDF 166KB) as evidence of whether the plastic explosive is marked or unmarked.
All plastic explosives are a prohibited export under the Customs (Prohibited Export) Regulations 1958.
Exporting plastic explosives
If you intend to export plastic explosives you must obtain a permit from the Defence Export Control Office within the Department of Defence. To obtain this permit you must forward a completed Manufacturers Certificate (PDF 166KB) and Export Application.
Further information and application forms
Further information on the new requirements for Plastic Explosives including definitions, the prescribed chemical detection agents, the new requirements for the manufacture, import and export of marked or unmarked plastic explosives may be obtained from the Fact Sheet – New requirements for Plastic Explosive (PDF 116KB)
How do I apply for an authorisation or Permit to use plastic explosives?
Applications for the import of plastic explosives, and to apply for an authorisation to manufacture, possess, traffick in, or import or export unmarked plastic explosives should be forwarded to the Security Law Branch of the Attorney-General's Department:
Security Law Branch
Attorney-General's Department
3-5 National Circuit
BARTON ACT 2603
Applications may be sent by fax to: +61 6141 3048
For further information phone the Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department Phone: +61 6141 6666
It is recommended that you complete and submit all relevant forms at least 6 weeks before goods are due to arrive in Australia.
Existing State and Territory legislation on explosives
Each State or Territory has its own legislation governing the regulation of explosives including plastic explosives. You must comply with each State or Territory law and obtain a Licence or Permit to use explosives in that State or Territory. You will need to obtain a State or Territory Licence or Permit before you are granted approval to Import Plastic Explosives.before you are granted approval to Import Plastic Explosives.
For further information on State and Territory explosive Licence or Permit requirements please refer to the following links:
NSW - www.workcover.nsw.gov.au
Victoria - www.worksafe.vic.gov.au
Queensland - www.nrw.qld.gov.au
Western Australia - www.docep.wa.gov.au/resourcessafety
South Australia - www.safework.sa.gov.au
Tasmania - www.wst.tas.gov.au
Northern Territory - www.worksafe.nt.gov.au
Australian Capital Territory - www.workcover.act.gov.au
