Specialised explosives uses

A licence to use explosives covers specialised uses (as stated on the licence), including:

• dynamic breaching operations training
• explosives testing
• metal forming, and research and development
• official police duties
• fireworks testing
• down-hole perforating
• demolition
• training purposes.

The licence allows you to use, purchase, store and transport the explosive in limited quantities.

A specific licence is available for those wanting to use, store and transport security-sensitive ammonium nitrate (SSAN) for agricultural purposes, production processes and laboratories.

Application requirements

Competency requirements

• Competency requirements for a licence to use explosives (PDF, 415KB)
• Medical assessments for explosives licences
• Safety and security management systems
• Security clearances for security-sensitive explosives.

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

How to apply

From mid-May 2026, applications for occupational authorities are submitted via the RSHQ Portal (the Portal). If you do not already have a Portal account, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Create a Portal account—visit RSHQ Portal for account setup and help resources.
2. Complete identity verification in the Portal.
3. Submit a QESC application in the Portal. You must hold a valid security clearance before applying for an occupational authority relating to security-sensitive explosives (including fireworks and pyrotechnics).
4. Submit the occupational authority (licence) application in the Portal.

Your application includes payment of the licence fee and the following supporting documents:

• Passport-sized photo: A passport-sized photo of the applicant. Requirements are listed in the application.
• Identity document: A copy of a current photo ID such as an Australian passport, foreign passport, Australian driver licence or learner permit, or ImmiCard. The document must clearly show your face and details.
• Medical certificate (not required for high-powered rocketry): A copy of F3712 – Medical certificate for motor vehicle driver or an equivalent government-issued fitness-to-drive assessment completed within the past 6 months to commercial standards.
• Letter from medical practitioner: A signed statement dated within the past 6 months from a registered medical practitioner confirming you are physically able to use and manually handle explosives relevant to your application, as required under section 40(1)(c) of the Explosives Regulation 2017.
• Evidence of experience: A detailed statement outlining the duration and nature of your relevant experience, including the period over which it was gained. Your experience must correspond with the type of explosives to be used and demonstrate satisfactory knowledge of the matters listed in section 40(1)(c) of the Explosives Regulation 2017.
• Statement of attainment (refer to  competency requirements for who must supply this): A statement of attainment from a registered training organisation with the relevant  units of competency for the licence category being applied for. The statement must be dated within the past 5 years.
• Letter of endorsement:
  • High-power rocketry (hobby): A letter or document from the applicant's rocketry club detailing their rocketry use and certification, including confirmation that the association has adopted the NFPA 1127 code.
  • Special effects—film and TV (closed set) and/or public displays: A letter of endorsement from the applicant's employer. The employer must currently hold a licence authorising the use of explosives for special effects.
  • Special effects—skydiving displays: A letter from the current employer confirming the applicant has been trained in the use of articles listed in Appendix 2: Carriage of Dangerous Goods of the Australian Parachute Federation Display Manual.
• Safety and security management system (SSMS)—only required if the applicant will have one or more employees carrying out activities under the licence: A copy of the SSMS covering hazard and risk identification, assessment, and control for all matters listed in section 46A(4) of the Explosives Regulation 2017. Read more about SSMS.

*Note: If you apply for an occupational authority, your biometric data (digital photo and signature) will be retained while your licence remains current. It will be destroyed if your application is withdrawn or refused, or your licence expires.

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.