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UK Statutory Instrument
2014
United Kingdom
Explosives Regulations 2014
At a glance
Enforced by
What's here
78 compliance obligations, 10 practical guides across 2 topics · 2 journeys
Penalty landscape
1 of 78 obligations carry an unlimited fine. 1 carries different penalties and 76 have no criminal penalty — flagged in the list below.
Who this Act binds
Plus 23 non-business duties on Crown ministers, regulators, local authorities or tribunals — shown collapsed under each section below.
Step-by-step journeys using this legislation
Walkthroughs that take you from a real business situation to compliance.
Run a retail business
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Relevant guidance
Practical guides for businesses affected by this Act, ordered by how closely they engage with it.
Supporting — topic alignment
9 guidesMentioned in related content
1 guidesWhat this Act requires
Sections that create concrete duties on businesses or carry penalties. Procedural and definitional sections are folded into the “Browse other sections” expander at the bottom of each group. Click any section title to read the source text on legislation.gov.uk.
Part 1 — INTRODUCTION
Browse 4 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Citation and commencement
Interpretation
Interpretation: designated standard
Application and extent
Part 2 — AUTHORISATIONS
Browse 6 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Authorisation to acquire or acquire and keep explosives
(1) Subject to paragraph (3), no person may acquire any...
Authorisation to manufacture explosives
Authorisation to store explosives
Authorisation to transfer civil explosives
Prohibition concerning the acquisition and supply of fireworks
Part 3 — DEFENCES IN RELATION TO REGULATIONS 5 TO 7
Browse 1 other section in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Defence
Part 4 — APPLICATIONS FOR AND GRANT OF AUTHORISATIONS
Browse 5 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Application for and issuing of an explosives certificate to acquire or acquire and keep any relevant explosive
Applications for licences to manufacture or store explosives
Grant of licences
Local authority assent procedure in relation to licence applications
Registers and retention of documents
Part 5 — VARIATION AND TRANSFER OF AUTHORISATIONS TO MANUFACTURE OR STORE EXPLOSIVES AND DEATH, BANKRUPTCY OR INCAPACITY OF A LICENSED PERSON
Browse 3 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Variation of licences
Transfer of licences
Death, bankruptcy or incapacity of a licensee
Part 6 — REFUSALS OF AUTHORISATIONS
Browse 2 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Refusal of an explosives certificate
Refusal of a licence and draft licence and refusal of a renewal or transfer of a licence
Part 7 — REVOCATION OF AUTHORISATIONS AND APPEALS AGAINST CERTAIN DECISIONS
Browse 3 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Revocation and expiry of an explosives certificate
Appeals and applications to the Crown Court or Sheriff
Revocation of a licence
Part 8 — LICENCES FOR SITES WHICH CEASE TO BE, OR BECOME, ONR REGULATED SITES
Browse 2 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Licences for sites which cease to be ONR regulated sites
Licences for sites which become ONR regulated sites
Part 9 — SAFETY OF EXPLOSIVES
Browse 4 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Fire and explosion measures
Separation distances
Discarding or disposing of explosives and decontamination of explosive-contaminated items
Prohibitions concerning manufacture, storage and importation of certain explosives
Part 10 — SECURITY OF EXPLOSIVES: PREVENTING UNAUTHORISED ACCESS OR ACQISITION
Browse 3 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Unauthorised access
Prohibitions concerning the transfer of relevant explosives
Restrictions on prohibited persons
Part 11 — SECURITY OF EXPLOSIVES: TRACEABILITY, RECORDS AND REPORTING LOSS
Browse 5 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Unique identification of civil explosives
Attribution of manufacturing site codes for civil explosives
Records in relation to relevant explosives
Records in relation to civil explosives
Reporting loss
Part 12 — SECURITY PROVISIONS IN RELATION TO PLASTIC EXPLOSIVES
Browse 1 other section in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Prohibitions in relation to unmarked plastic explosive
Part 13 — SUB-PART A: MAKING AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET – OBLIGATIONS OF ECONOMIC OPERATORS, SUB-PART B: CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT BODIES, SUB-PART C: NOTIFICATION OF CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT BODIES
Browse 43 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Design and manufacture in accordance with essential safety requirements
Technical documentation and conformity assessment
Declaration of conformity and UK marking
Retention of technical documentation and ... declaration of conformity
Compliance procedures for series production
Traceability of certain civil explosives excluded from the scope of regulations 33, 34 and 36
Instructions and safety information
Appointment of authorised representative by written mandate
Prohibition on placing on the market civil explosives which are not in conformity
Requirements which must be satisfied before an importer places a civil explosive on the market
Prohibition on placing on the market civil explosives considered not to be in conformity with the essential safety requirements
Information identifying importer
Instructions and safety information
Retention of technical documentation and ... declaration of conformity
Duty to take action in respect of civil explosives placed on the market which are considered not to be in conformity
Provision of information and cooperation
Duty to act with due care
Requirements which must be satisfied before a distributor makes a civil explosive available on the market
Prohibition on making available on the market where civil explosive considered not to be in conformity with the essential safety requirements
Duty to take action in respect of civil explosives made available on the market which are not in conformity
Provision of information and cooperation
Storage and transport
Cases in which obligations of manufacturers apply to importers and distributors
Translation of declaration of conformity
Identification of economic operators
Prohibition on improper use of UK marking
Obligations which are met by complying with obligations in the Directive
Conformity assessment procedure obligation which is met by complying with the Directive
Further use of the UK marking
Qualifying Northern Ireland Goods
Presumption of conformity
Conformity assessment procedures
Declaration of conformity
UK marking
Approved bodies
Approval of conformity assessment bodies
Presumption of conformity of approved bodies
Monitoring
Restriction, suspension or withdrawal of approval
Operational matters in relation to approved bodies
Subsidiaries and contractors
Register of approved bodies
UK national accreditation body
Part 14 — ENFORCEMENT OF THE REGULATIONS
Browse 3 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Enforcement within Great Britain
Enforcement outside Great Britain
Enforcement in relation to regulation 8 and Part 13, market surveillance and further matters
Part 15 — POWER TO GRANT EXEMPTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Browse 5 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Exemptions
Savings and transitional provisions
Transitional provision in relation to EU Exit
Repeals, revocations and amendments
Review
Schedules
The following information must be included in the register—
- Maintain a detailed explosives register with site plans
Subject to paragraphs 7 and 8, where the licence only...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Licensing authority must make explosives licence information publicly available Statutory regulator
Subject to paragraphs 7 and 8, where the licence relates...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Licensing authority must make licence information available to local residents and businesses Statutory regulator
The licensee in relation to any site in which explosives...
- Provide scale plan to owners/occupiers within separation distance on request
Where the licensing authority is a local authority or the...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Licensing authority must provide requested register information to HSE within 28 days Local authority
Small explosive articles
- Label and seal small explosive articles at the smallest packaging level
Each civil explosive must be designed and manufactured in such...
- Design and manufacture civil explosives for safe disposal
As a minimum, the following information and properties—where appropriate—must be...
- Test civil explosives for safety and performance properties
The various groups of civil explosives must at least also...
- Ensure civil explosives meet safety and performance standards
Enforcement action in respect of civil explosives which are in conformity, but present a risk
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- HSE must require corrective action for civil explosives that present a risk Statutory regulator
Enforcement action in respect of formal non-compliance
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- HSE must give businesses time to fix labelling and document failures Statutory regulator
Restrictive measures
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- HSE must follow RAMS Article 21 when imposing restrictive measures on civil explosives Statutory regulator
Compliance with a withdrawal or recall notice
2 years imprisonment- Fail to comply with a withdrawal or recall notice
(1) For the purposes of the enforcement of the provisions...
Unlimited fine- Contravene Part 13 of the Explosives Regulations (civil explosives handling)
Enforcement action in respect of civil explosives which are not in conformity and which present a risk
- Take corrective actions for non-conforming civil explosives when required by HSE
A conformity assessment body must have the means necessary to...
- Have necessary resources, equipment and facilities for conformity assessment
A conformity assessment body must be able to demonstrate the...
- Conformity assessment body must prove management impartiality
The remuneration of the top level management and the personnel...
- Don't link pay for safety assessors to number or outcome of assessments
A conformity assessment body must have, and must satisfy the...
- Carry adequate civil liability insurance for assessment activities
A conformity assessment body must ensure that its personnel observe...
- Keep confidential any information obtained during conformity assessment work
A conformity assessment body must participate in, or ensure that...
- Participate in standardisation activities and apply approved body guidance
A conformity assessment body must be a third party body...
- Conformity assessment body must be independent third party
(1) A conformity assessment body, its top level management and...
- Avoid conflicts of interest: do not be involved in civil explosives supply chain
A conformity assessment body, its top level management and the...
- Do not engage in civil explosives design, manufacture or marketing
A conformity assessment body, its top level management and the...
- Avoid conflicts of interest in conformity assessment
A conformity assessment body must ensure that the activities of...
- Oversee subsidiaries and subcontractors to protect impartiality
A conformity assessment body and its personnel must carry out...
- Carry out conformity assessments with integrity, competence, and independence
A conformity assessment body must be capable of carrying out...
- A conformity assessment body must be capable of performing all relevant assessments
A conformity assessment body must have at its disposal—
- Conformity assessment bodies must have skilled staff and documented procedures
An approved body must carry out conformity assessments in accordance...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Approved bodies must follow correct conformity assessment procedures Statutory regulator
An approved must inform the Secretary of State of—
- Notify Secretary of State of changes to approval status or conformity assessment activities
An approved body must make provision in its contracts with...
- Include appeal rights in contracts for certification decisions
An approved body must provide other bodies approved under these...
- Share negative conformity assessment results with other approved bodies
An approved must participate in the work of any approved...
- Participate in approved body coordination groups
An approved body must carry out conformity assessments in a...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Approved bodies must avoid unnecessary burdens on businesses during conformity assessments Statutory regulator
An approved body must perform its activities taking due account...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Approved bodies must consider business-specific factors when assessing conformity Statutory regulator
An approved body must respect the degree of rigour and...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Approved body must maintain rigour when checking civil explosives Statutory regulator
Where an approved body finds that essential safety requirements or...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Approved body must require corrective measures and refuse certification when safety standards are not met Statutory regulator
Where, in the course of the monitoring of conformity following...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Approved body must require corrective action and suspend certificates for non-conforming civil explosives Statutory regulator
Where the approved body has required a manufacturer to take...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Approved body must restrict, suspend or withdraw certificates if manufacturer fails corrective measures Statutory regulator
Where this paragraph applies, the approved body must—
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Approved body must give notice and hear representations before refusing or restricting a certificate Statutory regulator
Manufacturing
- Manufacture explosives to match the approved type and legal requirements
Product checks
- Affix approved body's identification number during manufacturing
UK marking and declaration of conformity
- Affix UK marking and keep declaration of conformity
Manufacturing
- Operate approved quality system for explosives production
Quality system
- Apply to an approved body for quality system assessment
(1) The quality system must ensure that the explosives are...
- Establish and maintain a quality system for explosives manufacturing
(1) A manufacturer must lodge an application for Type examination...
- Apply for Type examination (Module B) before placing explosives on market
(1) The approved body must assess the quality system to...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Approved body must audit your quality system for explosives Statutory regulator
(1) A manufacturer must— (a) fulfil the obligations arising out...
- Maintain approved quality system and notify changes to approved body
Surveillance under the responsibility of the approved body
- Allow approved body access and provide quality system information
UK marking and declaration of conformity
- Affix UK marking and keep declaration of conformity for explosives
A manufacturer must, for a period of 10 years beginning...
- Keep technical records of explosives for 10 years
Each approved body must inform the Secretary of State of...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Notify Secretary of State of quality system approvals and status changes Statutory regulator
Each approved body must inform other approved bodies of quality...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Approved bodies must share quality system approval decisions with each other Statutory regulator
Manufacturing
- Operate an approved quality system for final product inspection and testing of explosives
Quality system
- Apply for quality system assessment for explosives and maintain it
(1) The approved body must assess the quality system to...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Approved body must audit manufacturer's quality system for explosives Statutory regulator
(1) A manufacturer must— (a) fulfil the obligations arising out...
- Keep your approved quality system up to date and notify changes to the approved body
Surveillance under the responsibility of the approved body
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Approved body must carry out surveillance and audits of your quality system Statutory regulator
UK marking and declaration of conformity
- Affix UK marking and keep declaration of conformity for each explosive type
A manufacturer must, for a period of 10 years, beginning...
- Keep technical documents available for 10 years after placing explosives on market
(1) Each approved body must inform the Secretary of State...
- Report quality system approvals to the Secretary of State and other approved bodies
Manufacturing
- Ensure manufacturing process and monitoring conform to approved type and regulations
(1) The approved body must examine the technical documentation and...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Approved body must verify explosive design through examination and testing Statutory regulator
Verification
- Approved body must verify explosives against type certificate and regulations
Verification of conformity by examination and testing of every product
- Ensure each explosive is individually tested and carry certificate of conformity
Statistical verification of conformity
- Manufacturers must present explosives in homogeneous lots and keep conformity certificates for 10 years
UK marking and declaration of conformity
- Affix UK marking and draw up declaration of conformity for explosives
Technical documentation
- Prepare and keep technical documentation for your explosive
Manufacturing
- Ensure manufacturing process and monitoring produce compliant explosives
Verification
- Keep certificates of conformity for 10 years after placing explosive on the market
UK marking and declaration of conformity
- Affix UK marking, draw up declaration of conformity and keep for 10 years
The approved body must draw up an evaluation report that...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Approved body must draw up evaluation report and keep it confidential Statutory regulator
(1) Where the type meets the applicable requirements of these...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Approved body must issue Type examination certificate or refuse with reasons Statutory regulator
An approved body must keep itself apprised of any changes...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Approved body must track technical changes and notify manufacturers if needed Statutory regulator
A manufacturer must inform the approved body that holds the...
- Notify approved body of changes to your explosive type
(1) Each approved body must inform the Secretary of State...
- Keep Type examination certificate and technical records for 10 years
Browse 145 other Schedules — structural / supplementary
Subject to paragraphs 2 to 5, “licensing authority” means—
In any case falling within paragraph 1(a) and subject to...
Where a person wishes to manufacture and store explosives at...
The ONR is the licensing authority in relation to any...
The applicant may only apply to the Executive pursuant to...
Ammunition intended for use in small arms.
Explosive articles which— (a) are assigned in accordance with the...
The explosive substance Isosorbide Dinitrate which has been desensitised by...
The explosive substance Nitrogen Triiodide with the chemical formulation NI3,...
A solution of the explosive substance Nitroglycerine in alcohol which...
Any pyrotechnic substance, in a quantity not exceeding 0.5 grams,...
The explosive substance smokeless powder which is—
A solution of the explosive substance 2,4, 6- Trinitrophenol in...
Ammunition consisting of a propelling charge and an inert projectile...
Blank ammunition intended for use in small arms.
Cartridges, which are empty but with a primer which—
Cartridges power device which— (a) is assigned in accordance with...
A desensitised explosive which is— (a) a medicinal product as...
A desensitised explosive which is a substance specified in an...
Any desensitised explosive acquired, in a quantity not exceeding 5...
Any desensitised explosive acquired, in a quantity not exceeding 1...
Pyrotechnic articles which are or would, if packaged for transport,...
Pyrotechnic articles which— (a) are or would, if packaged for...
Pyrotechnic articles which— (a) are or would, if packaged for...
Pyrotechnic articles which— (a) are or would, if packaged for...
Tracers for ammunition which are or would, if packaged for...
The licensing authority must maintain a register (“the register”) containing...
Nothing in this Schedule prevents a licensing authority from disclosing...
For the purposes of paragraph 10, “local planning authority” and...
The register may be kept in any form, including electronically....
The requirements of paragraphs 3 and 4 do not apply...
The requirements of paragraphs 3 and 4 do not apply...
(1) In this Schedule— “brick-built” means having an outer structure...
Where the storage is— (a) of hazard type 1 explosive...
For each of Table 1, 3, 4 or 5 where...
(1) Paragraph 5 is subject to paragraph 6.
The distance between a store and any protected place of...
Where— (a) Table 1, 3, 4 or 5 applies; and...
The distance between a store and any protected place of...
For cases where sub-paragraph (b) of paragraph 7 is being...
Subject to paragraph 2, the unique identification must comprise—
For articles too small to affix the unique product code...
Cartridged explosives and explosives in sacks
Packaged two-component explosives
Plain detonators
Electric, non-electric and electronic detonators
Primers and boosters
Detonating cords
Cans, boxes and drums containing explosives
Civil explosives not referred to in paragraphs 1 to 7
General
For the purposes of regulation 38, “plastic explosive” means an...
The following explosives, even if meeting the description of plastic...
In this Part “high explosives” include, but are not restricted...
Each civil explosive must be designed, manufactured and supplied in...
Each civil explosive must attain the performance characteristics specified by...
(1) This Schedule makes provision for the enforcement of these...
Enforcement in respect of identification and traceability
(1) The enforcing authority for regulation 34 is the Executive....
Enforcement in respect of record keeping
The enforcing authority for regulation 36— (a) at a site...
Enforcement in respect of unmarked plastic explosives
Enforcement in respect of transfers, and the placing on the market, of civil explosives
Enforcement in respect of the manufacture and storage of explosives
A licensing authority is the enforcing authority for regulation 3...
The enforcing authority for regulation 13(8) as it applies in...
Enforcement in respect of discarding, disposal and decontamination
(1) The enforcing authority for regulation 28 where a person...
Enforcement in respect of import of chlorate mixtures
Enforcement in respect of acquisition and supply of fireworks
Enforcement in respect of explosives certificates and access to relevant explosives
Enforcement powers, market surveillance and designation of market surveillance authority
EU safeguarding procedure
Compliance, withdrawal and recall notices
Compliance notice
Withdrawal notice
Recall notice
Interpretation
In Great Britain, the Executive is designated as the market...
Defence of due diligence
Service of a compliance, withdrawal or recall notice or a defence of due diligence notice
Action by enforcing authority
Appeals against notices
Appropriate court for appeals against notices
In its enforcement of Part 13, the Executive must enforce...
When enforcing Part 13, the enforcing authority must exercise its...
Subject to paragraph 7, and to the extent that they...
In relation to the enforcement of the provisions referred to...
Evaluation of civil explosives presenting a risk
Explosives Act 1875
The Explosives Acts 1875 and 1923 etc. (Repeals and Modifications) Regulations 1974
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975
The Isles of Scilly (Functions) Order 1979
The Dangerous Substances in Harbour Areas Regulations 1987
The Planning (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 1992
Coal and Other Safety-Lamp Mines (Explosives) Regulations 1993
The Town and Country Planning (Hazardous Substances) (Scotland) Regulations 1993
The Health and Safety (Enforcing Authority) Regulations 1998
The Visiting Forces and International Headquarters (Application of Law) Order 1999
The Quarries Regulations 1999
London Building Act 1930
Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004
The REACH Enforcement Regulations 2008
The Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments and Revocations) Regulations 2009
The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009
The Building Regulations 2010
The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment (Amendment) Regulations 2011
The Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations 2012
In regulation 1(4) (citation, commencement and interpretation), for “explosives certificate,...
(1) In regulation 9 (fees payable under the Manufacture and...
In Schedule 8 (fees payable under the Manufacture and Storage...
Fireworks Act 1951
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exclusions and Exceptions) (Scotland) Order 2013
The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013
Customs and Excise Management Act 1979
Isle of Man Act 1979
Environmental Protection Act 1990
Fireworks Act 2003
Energy Act 2013
The Clean Air (Emission of Dark Smoke) (Exemption) Regulations 1969
(1) A conformity assessment body must have legal personality and...
The personnel responsible for carrying out conformity assessment activities must...
Paragraph 15 does not prevent the personnel from providing information...
Paragraph 9 applies where an approved body is minded to—...
(1) Type examination (Module B) is a conformity assessment procedure...
A manufacturer's authorised representative (if any) may lodge the application...
Conformity to type based on internal production control plus supervised...
Authorised representative
Conformity to type based on quality assurance of the production...
Authorised representative
Conformity to type based on product quality assurance (Module E)...
The technical documentation referred to in paragraph 2(2)(c) must—
Authorised representative
Conformity to type based on product verification (Module F) is...
Authorised representative
Conformity based on unit verification (Module G) is the conformity...
Authorised representative
No … (product, type, batch or serial number):
Name and address of the manufacturer and, where applicable, the...
This declaration of conformity is issued under the sole responsibility...
Object of the declaration (identification of product allowing traceability):
The object of the declaration described above is in conformity...
References to the relevant designated standards used or references to...
The approved body … (name, number) performed … (description of...
Additional information: Signed for and on behalf of: (place and...
Other sections — not classified into a Part
These sections exist in the Act but the contents-of-Parts walker did not place them under a Part. Likely amendments or sections inserted out of the original Part structure.
Browse 1 other unclassified section
Declaration of conformity (No XXXX)
Official guidance
Authoritative sources published by regulators or government explaining this legislation.
- Serious misconduct or mismanagement - Care Quality Commission (opens in a new tab) from CQC Detailed Guidance
- Supplying explosives precursors and poisons (opens in a new tab) Publication
- HSE: mines regulations (opens in a new tab) from HSE Detailed Guidance
- Home Office: firearms licensing (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- HSE: explosives licensing (opens in a new tab) from HSE Detailed Guidance
- HSE: explosives (opens in a new tab) from HSE Detailed Guidance
- GOV.UK: minerals planning (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Withdrawal of the (UN 0349) 1.4S classification for DynaEnergetics HMX 165 Octocord from the List of Classified Explosives and Fireworks and Fireworks (opens in a new tab) from HSE Detailed Guidance
- Storing and selling explosive shooting supplies (opens in a new tab) from HSE Detailed Guidance
- Storing and selling fireworks safely (opens in a new tab) from HSE Detailed Guidance
- ... and 18 more
Enforcement and responsible bodies
The regulators that administer or enforce this legislation.
Health and Safety Executive
Workplace health, safety, and welfare regulation across all industries. Enforces the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and related regulations. Investigates …
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