In April 2005 new regulations relating to the storage of explosives were introduced. The new regulations refer to the net explosive quantity (NEQ) rather than gross weight. That is, the actual weight of the explosives without the weight of packaging.

Amounts that don't need to be registered

If you store less than 5kg of explosives that don't require an explosives certificate or less than 15kg of small arms ammunition, then you don't need to be registered or licensed. Certain exemptions apply to the short term storage of fireworks, please contact us for more information.

Storing between 5kg and 250kg

If you wish to store between 5kg and 250kg (NEQ) you require an explosive registration certificate.

Storing over 250kg

If you wish to keep between 250kg and 2,000kg (NEQ) you require an explosive storage licence and. We would advise you to contact us if you are thinking about storing large quantities of explosives.

How much will it cost?

All registrations are renewable annually and are not transferable from one person to another. The current fees for registration and renewal of registration are:

• £105 for one year for a new registration certificate (up to 250kg NEQ)
• £52 for one year for a renewal of registration certificate (up to 250kg NEQ)
• £178 for one year for a new storage licence (up to 2,000kg NEQ)
• £83 for one year for a renewal of storage licence (up to 2,000kg NEQ).

See our Explosive guide (pdf, 86kb) (opens in a new window) for more detailed guidance.

To apply you can download an Explosive Licence (pdf, 88kb) (opens in a new window) .

• Name: Duty Officer
  Email: tradingstandards@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 224702
  Fax: 01305 224297
  Full details for Duty Officer