Explosives/Pyrotechnics
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From: Department of Justice
- Published on: 26 January 2021
- Last updated on: 9 August 2023
< Security < Explosives/Pyrotechnics
The Explosives Division has responsibility for the administration of the Explosives Act 1875 and related legislation see the Guide to Explosives Legislation In Ireland (Last revision 1 May 2020) for details.
It deals with management of explosives inspection and licensing functions. This also entails the provision of advice on a wide range of technical matters relating to explosives, including their importation, manufacture, storage and transport.
The Division has responsibility for ensuring compliance with market surveillance requirements in respect of explosives and pyrotechnics and for the transposition and implementation of EU explosives legislation, including obligations arising under various EU Directives and Regulations relating to explosives, pyrotechnics and explosive precursors.
Explosives are strictly controlled and a person may not import, store or manufacture explosives without a licence. Transport and sale of explosives is also controlled by regulations.
Explosives include:
- commercial or industrial explosives (such as detonators, boosters, detonating cord, ANFO and cartridged explosives);
- propellants (such as shooter’s powder, black powder);
- pyrotechnics (such as marine distress flares, industrial pyrotechnic cartridges and fireworks).
Certain substances such as ammonium nitrate, sodium chlorate, potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate also come under the control of the explosives regulations, as they are deemed to be explosives for the purposes of the Act.
Use of explosives is not controlled by the Explosives Act, but is regulated by the Health and Safety Authority.
Application Form (Updated 19-08-21)
Further information on specific aspects of Explosives can be found by way of the following links:
- Importing Commercial Explosives
- Marine Pyrotechnic Articles, etc
- Storing Explosives
- Explosives Precursors
- Fireworks
Contact details
If any queries please contact Explosives Unit of the Department of Justice by:
Phone: 01 4768625
Email: explosives@justice.ie