When is this licence required?
A security sensitive ammonium nitrate import/export licence is required to:
- import or export security sensitive ammonium nitrate overseas to or from Western Australia
- supply a security sensitive ammonium nitrate to others who are authorised to possess it.
The security sensitive ammonium nitrate import/export licence is issued for five years.
Each licence is endorsed for a specific type and quantity of security sensitive ammonium nitrate, and for any conditions considered necessary.
Licence holders are not permitted to import or export any security sensitive ammonium nitrate that is not endorsed on the licence.
The import/export licence does not allow the holder to transport, use, store or manufacture a security sensitive ammonium nitrate without additional security sensitive ammonium nitrate licences.
Overseas import or export notification
An import notice or export notice must be lodged with the department’s Chief Officer at least seven days in advance of any consignment of security sensitive ammonium nitrate coming from or going overseas
Where is the security sensitive ammonium nitrate coming from or going to? | Approved security sensitive ammonium nitrate | Substances containing more than 45 per cent ammonium nitrate that are not an approved security sensitive ammonium nitrate |
|---|---|---|
| Overseas | Requires a security sensitive ammonium nitrate import/export licence. All requirements of the Dangerous Goods Safety (Storage and Handling of Non-explosives) Regulations 2007, such as special berth approvals, are additional. An import notice or export notice lodged with the Chief Officer for every consignment, including:
| Import and export is prohibited |
| Between WA and other States and Territories in Australia | Security sensitive ammonium nitrate import/export licence is not required for the possession and movement in and out of WA, but other dangerous goods licences may apply. For example:
| Manufacture and sale is not permitted in WA |
Applying to have a special berth declared
Who can apply?
- Licences can be granted to an individual, body corporate or partnership.
- Individuals must be at least 21 years of age.
Use of an accredited consultant
To develop the submission, it is recommended that those intending to apply for a licence engage a dangerous goods consultant accredited to prepare and submit security sensitive ammonium nitrate applications. The consultant will normally complete the application form on the applicant’s behalf, but the intended licensee must sign the application.
Applications submitted without accredited consultant endorsement may take up to three months to process and a checking fee applies. Deficient submissions will take longer to process.
Refer to What is the role of accredited dangerous goods consultants? for a list of consultants.
Required information
The application must be signed by the intended licensee and lodged with:
- Completed and signed application form
- If applicable, a separate sheet briefly describing details of any relevant offence resulting in convictions, and/or charges pending
- The original certified colour copy of an interstate recognised security clearance
- A copy of the security plan
- Individual: Colour copy of motor drivers licence
- Body Corporate: Original certified copy of certificate of incorporation
- Partnership:
- Original certified copy of evidence of the partnership
- A statutory declaration from each partner (see the application form for more information)
Failure to provide the required documentation will delay processing of applications. Most applications are dealt with within approximately 30 business days.
The following information may assist in obtaining the required supporting information.
Security plan
A security plan is a pre-condition for obtaining a licence. The content of a security plan is prescribed in the Dangerous Goods Safety (Security Sensitive Ammonium Nitrate) Regulations 2007, which require licence holders to develop a written document including a security risk assessment and other prescribed elements.
To assist in developing your security plan, a template has been developed and copies are available from the Department website.
Use of this template is not mandatory; however, the security plan should sufficiently address the national Ammonium Nitrate Guidance Note No. 2, Storage.
Use of this template is not mandatory; however, the security plan should sufficiently address the national Ammonium Nitrate Guidance Note No. 2, Storage.
Further information: It is important that the particular details of the products to be imported or exported are accurately described. Applicants should refer to products by the authorised name, and include the Classification Code and the United Nations (UN) Number.
Application fee
Only the licence fee for the first year of the licence is to be lodged with the application. Licence fees for subsequent years will be billed annually.
A checking fee:
- does not apply if a consultant endorses the proposal as complying with the regulations
- applies for applications without accredited consultant endorsement.
The checking fees are equal to the licence fee payable with the application.
Go to Dangerous goods fees and charges for more information on licence fees.
Lodging the application
The completed application form, together with supporting documents and payment can be sent to the department via:
Emailed to: cso@dmirs.wa.gov.au
| By Mail | In Person |
|---|---|
| Dangerous Goods Licensing Branch Locked Bag 100 EAST PERTH WA 6892 | Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm Customer Service |
Consignment entry and exit points
Show moreSecurity sensitive ammonium nitrate imported and exported to and from Western Australia go through various ports or airports. Each location differs in respect to:
- loading and unloading facilities
- load limits on explosives based on safety distances
- security arrangements
- transit storage facilities
- transport routes from the ports or airports.
The types and quantities of security sensitive ammonium nitrate being imported or exported may preclude the use of certain ports or airports. As such, applicants may nominate more than one entry point on their application.
Further information: Importers and exporters of ammonium nitrate should liaise with the relevant port or airport authorities to ensure the entry points they wish to use are approved to handle ammonium nitrate and the quantities involved.
The Department of Transport has information on the four port authorities in Western Australia that manage the State's major ports.
There are general criteria regarding the transportation of dangerous goods and explosives. These are addressed in What are the route restrictions for dangerous goods and explosives transport?
Transporting dangerous goods in limited quantities
Show moreReporting an incident
Show moreSecurity sensitive ammonium nitrate licence holders have a responsibility to report incidents and accidents arising from their activities, including unexplained losses or theft.
Other guidance
Show moreThis document is for guidance only and the definitive statutory requirements are contained in the Dangerous Goods Safety (Security Sensitive Ammonium Nitrate) Regulations 2007.
This information sheet explains the main amendments in effect from 1 January 2014 under the Dangerous Goods Safety (Explosives) Regulations 2007 (Explosives Regulations) and Dangerous Goods Safety (Security Sensitive Ammonium Nitrate) Regulations 2007.
AS 3846 The handling and transport of dangerous cargoes in port areas is available from Standards Australia.
International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code) is available from the International Maritime Organization. This replaces the Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes (BC Code) 2004.
