The importation and storage of explosives, fireworks and pyrotechnic articles requires a licence in Guernsey.
Classification of explosives in Guernsey
- Please note that the following classification is specific to Guernsey [UN transport classes added for information]
- Class I - Includes gun powder and all explosives used in commercial blasting [UN transport class 1.1]
- Class II - Fulminates (Chemistry - an explosive salt) of mercury and silver [UN transport class 1.1]
- Class III - Ammunition containing its own means of ignition [UN transport all classes 1.1-1.6]
- Class IV - Detonators (plain or electric) [UN transport all classes 1.1-1.6]
- Class V - Fireworks, flares, pyrotechnics etc.[UN transport classes 1.3 and 1.4]
- Class VI - Safety explosives (percussion caps, small-arms cartridges, safety and electronic fuses) [UN transport all classes 1.4-1.6]
Regulation of explosives
- 1. The Inspector of Explosives is the statutory official appointed by the Royal Court to oversee the regulation of explosives in Guernsey.
- 2. All explosives, fireworks and pyrotechnic articles imported or sold in Guernsey must be CE or UKCA marked.
- 3. Please follow this link for information about what happens after the end of the Brexit transition period.
Application to import explosives into the Bailiwick of Guernsey
- 1. The Law regulating the importation of explosives into the Island of Guernsey can be found in Sections XVII and XXIX, of the Explosives (Guernsey) Law, 1905, as amended by the Explosives (Guernsey) Amendment Law, 1951
- 2. A licence must be obtained before importing explosives (including blasting agents, flares, fireworks, ammunition and gunpowder). Guernsey Customs will detain any unlicensed materials and they may be forfeited and destroyed if you have not abtained the correct licence in advance.
- 3. You must apply to the Inspector of Explosives at least 10 days prior to the explosives being landed in Guernsey.
- 4. Depending on your circumstances, you may also require a licence to store explosives or a gunpowder certificate.
- 5. For ammunition, you will also require permission from Guernsey Police, and you must obtain the relevant firearms consent.
- 6.
Please follow this link to download an application to import explosives [178kb].
- 7. You should also consider other customs and shipping issues, as explosives are classed as hazardous goods for shipping purposes. Please follow this link for information about moving hazardous goods.
Application to store explosives in Guernsey
- 1. The Law regulating the storage of explosives into the Island of Guernsey is the Explosives (Guernsey) Law, 1905, as amended by the Explosives (Guernsey) Amendment Law, 1951.
- 2. There are several types of licences and certificates, depending on the activites (storage or manufacture), quantify and type of explosives stored:
- House licence
- Store licence
- Magazine licence
- Factory licence
- Gunpowder certificate
- 3. The application for licences is made to the Royal Court via the Inspector of Explosives. Some legal work is required and advice should be sought from a local Advocate. New applications normally take around 12 weeks.
- 4. Gunpowder Certificates are issued by the Inspector of Explosives and applications are only considered where the relevant firearms consent has been obtained from Guernsey Police.
- 5.
The sale of fireworks
- This is restricted to:
- premises holding an approved licence
- the week preceding November 5th [for 2023: Thursday 26 October - Sunday 05 November]
- persons over the age of 20
- Please follow this link for information about fireworks displays.
Further Information
- Please contact the Inspector of Explosives on Tel: 01481 220010 or email hse@gov.gg
