Explosives Guide
-
About explosives
This section provides information on the safe and legal use of explosives by members of the community, the hazards and penalties of illegal use, and what to do if you want to surrender or dispose of an explosive, or come across an explosive while cleaning up after an emergency or disaster. It also contains information about collecting ammunition.
The use of explosives is controlled by the Explosives Inspectorate.
Explosives licences
Read the information about the use of explosives in the mining and allied industries, and of how to obtain a licence to use explosives, including fireworks.
Related links
-
Surrender of explosive materials
It is illegal to possess and use fireworks in Queensland without an authority. Fireworks bought in the Northern Territory cannot be brought into Queensland. Call the Explosives Inspectorate on 1300 739 868 to surrender them penalty free.
Explosives, fireworks, flares and ammunition are dangerous and pose risks if they are not stored and managed in a secure and safe manner and can become even more dangerous as they deteriorate with age.
If you have any type of explosive material or product - including fireworks and ammunition - that you don't want or possess illegally you are encouraged to surrender them without fear of prosecution or fines.
If you find or possess explosive material or products – do not touch them. Call the Explosives Inspectorate at any time, and we will arrange safe collection and disposal.
Fireworks
It is illegal to make, keep or use fireworks (including firecrackers) without a licence in Queensland. Unlicenced use and possession of fireworks (other than unrestricted items such as sparklers, bonbons, streamer cones or caps for toy pistols), is an offence and carries a penalty. Offenders can be fined up to $ 57,500 (400 penalty units), face 6 months’ imprisonment, and risk severe injury.
For penalty-free fireworks surrender call the Explosives Inspectorate on 1300 739 868 (24/7)
Explosives
Explosives are frequently found in deceased estates or when people move into new premises. Sheds should be checked for explosives, along with associated equipment.
Explosives items can include:
- gelignite
- detonators
- detonating cord
- boosters
- picric acid used in laboratories
- propellant powders.
For penalty-free explosives surrender call the Explosives Inspectorate on 1300 739 868 (24/7)
Ammunition
If you have small arms ammunition that you cannot legally possess, you can surrender it voluntarily without fear of prosecution.
You can:
- surrender sporting ammunition (e.g. calibres up to 19mm in brass and steel cases, brass and plastic shotgun shells) to a nominated firearms dealer, OR
- call the Explosives Inspectorate on 1300 739 868 (24/7) to arrange a penalty-free ammunition surrender.
Marine flares
You must dispose of out-of-date flares as soon as possible as their ability to function as designed is no longer assured. Expiry dates are stamped on the side of each flare.
Out-of-date marine flares can be disposed of in special collection bins provided by the Queensland Department of Transport at:
- Volunteer Marine Rescue
- Australian Volunteer Coast Guard
- Queensland Transport Maritime Safety Queensland.
Refer to the list of flare disposal locations on the Maritime Safety Queensland website.
Related links
- Explosives Act 1999
- Explosives Regulation 2017
- Read about collecting ammunition and arms fairs
- Learn about the dangers of homemade explosives
- Find out how to organise a safe and legal fireworks display
-
Hazards of storing propellant powders
Hazards of storing propellant powders
Propellant Powders (Smokeless and Black) are common items in the shooting industry but are hazardous substances due their ease of initiation and flammability. At times we find that these substances have been stored in less than ideal conditions, and quite often in secondary containers (milo tins, food containers etc.).
It is well known that ammunition can deteriorate with age to a stage where it will not reliably fire. It is not widely known that propellant powder deteriorates and decomposes with age. A retardant is added to powder to stop or delay decomposition. However, in time, the retardant loses its effectiveness, decomposition sets in a spontaneous combustion can occur.
There have been several incidents involving fire and deteriorated or incorrectly stored propellant powder.
Below is a list of those incidents and suggested control measures to prevent similar incidents reoccurring.
Previous incidents
- A young boy received 60% burns to his body when the muzzle flash from his rifle ignited a poorly sealed drum containing 2kg of 25-year-old propellant powder.
- A man received serious burns to his arm and upper chest when a bag of gunpowder ignited from sparks from an angle grinder he was using. The man was unaware of the powder, as it was stored in an unlabelled calico bag and was at least 50 years old.
- Propellant powders aged 15 to 20 years old were stored in a gunroom safe and appeared to spontaneously combust while stored. This resulted in a fire and subsequent explosion due to confinement. The safe door bulged out and the brick wall adjacent to the safe was badly damaged due to the explosion.
Suggested control measures
- Ensure you adequately rotate stock rotation to use old powders first.
- Use the product within the shelf life recommended by the manufacturer. If you don’t know the recommended shelf life, use a maximum shelf life of 10 years.
- Purchase a quantity of powder that matches the usage rate.
- Store in original containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from all sources of ignition.
- Dispose of old powders in an appropriate manner. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet applicable to the propellant powder.
- Call an Explosives Inspector on 1300 739 868 to collect and dispose of powders at no charge.
-
Nominated firearms dealers
Nominated firearms dealers are authorised to collect small arms ammunition on behalf of the Queensland Government.
Contact a nominated firearms dealer for more information on surrendering unwanted ammunition.
List of nominated firearms dealers
Business name Business address Contact details Halls Firearms
42 Gladstone St
ALLENSTOWN(07) 4922 6447
rockhampton@hallsfirearms.com.auGold Coast Shooters Supply
15/34 Dominion Rd
ASHMORE(07) 5597 3220
qcss@gcshooters.com.auPelican Bill
41 Main St
ATHERTON(07) 4091 1161
pelbill41@gmail.comDave's Disposals
50 Callide St
BILOELA(07) 4992 3801
jeff@davesdisposals.com.auHA Supplies
8 George St
BOLLON0404 086 995
mark@savagemining.com.auCareys Sportland & Marine
43 Williams St
BOWEN(07) 4786 1616
careys@virginbroadband.com.auBrowns Plains Firearms
E2, 3282 Mount Lindesay Hwy
BROWNS PLAINS(07) 3800 7949
brownsplainsfirearm@bigpond.comThe Firearms Warehouse
32 Strathaird Rd
BUNDALL(07) 5531 7208
sales@nyati.com.auCRM Gunsports Pty Ltd
293 Draper St
CAIRNS(07) 4031 4440
shane@crmgunsports.comCairns Shooters Supplies Pty Ltd
205 Draper St
CAIRNS(07) 4052 1911
0438 357 357
cairnsshooterssupplies@iig.com.auJP Motor Cycles & Armoury
112 Parry St
CHARLEVILLE(07) 4654 1940
jpmotorcycles@bigpond.comHollimans Hardware
28–32 Mosman St
CHARTERS TOWERS(07) 4787 1044
ben.north@bigpond.comScouller Saddlery
76 Warrego Hwy
CHINCHILLA(07) 4662 8416
scosad@sctelco.net.auLemmons Store Pty Ltd
42 Scarr St
CLONCURRY(07) 4742 1227
hillsidestn@bigpond.comRosslyn Cafe
25 Wicks St
CUNNAMULLA(07) 4655 1413
John Crooks Electrical & Hardware
41 Murphy St
DYSART(07) 4958 1965
JTCROOKS@dysart.matilda.net.auQueensland Gun Exchange
181–183 Wellington Rd
EAST BRISBANE(07) 3393 0933
admin@qldgunexchange.comWallaby Jacks
21 Clermont St
EMERALD(07) 4987 5177
shop@wallabyjacks.com.auGundy Sports Centre
137 Marshall St
GOONDIWINDI(07) 4671 1685
gundysports@internode.on.netGundy Guns & Outdoor Supplies
Lot 225 39 Old Cunningham Hwy
GOONDIWINDI(07) 4671 2399
0428 795 187
wgrgundy@bigpond.net.auHalls Firearms
103 Charters Towers Rd
HERMIT PARK(07) 4772 1605
sales@hallsfirearms.com.auSports Power Ingham
2/57 Herbert St
INGHAM(07) 4776 2929
ingham@sportspower.com.auInnisfail Tackle and Sports
85 Edith St
INNISFAIL(07) 4061 1416
sampa5@bigpond.comKingaroy Firearms
Shop 2 106 Kingaroy St
KINGAROY(07) 4162 4833
kingfire@ozemail.com.auPine Rivers Lock and Gunsmith
20 Paisley Dr
LAWNTON(07) 3881 1688
les@prlag.com.auGlen Rural Traders
129 Galah St
LONGREACH(07) 4658 2566
glenrural@ruralco.com.auMareeba Armouring
Lot 35 19 Wallace Dr
MAREEBA(07) 4092 5377
mareeba_armouring@bigpond.comCleaver Firearms
27 Beaconsfield St
MARGATE(07) 3883 1733
jade@cleaverfirearms.comOzzie Outdoors
6 Shakelton St
MOUNT ISA(07) 4743 5558
ozzie66@iprimus.com.auOver The Range Hunting Supplies
3/30 Bouverie Street
MUNDUBBERA(07) 4165 4439
overtherange.huntingsupplies@gmail.comOakey Oil & Battery Barn
5 Campbell St
OAKEY(07) 4691 1620
oakeyoil@bigpond.comHunting & Shooting Supplies
1B Davy Avenue
PROSERPINE(07) 4945 3046
admin@keysecuritygroup.com.auSpringsure Welding Works Pty Ltd
1 Rainbow St
SPRINGSURE(07) 4984 1144
admin@springweld.com.auJohn Vichie Firearms
24 Matthew St
STANTHORPE(07) 4681 4620
john.vichie@gmail.comTheodore Newsagency
57 The Boulevard
THEODORE(07) 4993 1252
cqscopes@bigpond.net.auNoosa Shooters Supplies
597 Cooroy-Noosa Rd
TINBEERWAH(07) 5447 7789
sales@noosashooters.comFNQ Outdoor Game & Marine
67 Main St
TOLGA(07) 4095 4959
info@odgm.com.auThe Open Range Pty Ltd
579 Ruthven St
TOOWOOMBA(07) 4632 8258
admin@theopenrange.com.auSSAA Qld Shooters Supplies
2/266 Brisbane St
WEST IPSWICH(07) 3202 2111
manager@qss.org.auWoodford Hardware
98 Archer St
WOODFORD(07) 5496 1385
Rebel Gunworks Pty Ltd
1 Atherton St
WOOLOONGABBA(07) 3391 6744
accounts@rebelgunworks.com
-
Emergencies and disasters
If you are involved in a clean-up after an emergency or disaster (e.g. fires or floods) you could come across dangerous objects such as explosives.
These could include:
- small arms ammunition
- detonators
- fireworks
- marine flares
- blasting explosives
- propellant powders.
The Explosives Inspectorate provides a 24 hour advice and response service to emergency agencies during disaster relief operations.
What to do
If you possess explosives or find explosives:
- Do not touch the explosive
- Secure the area
- Call the Explosives Inspectorate on 1300 739 868 (24 hour emergency response hotline)
- Call the Police
What will happen
- Explosive items will be removed or destroyed.
- If the explosive is too dangerous to be removed, another method of disposal will be used.
Related links
- Read about disposing of unwanted explosives.
- Find out what to do if you have a lost or damaged explosives licence.
-
Collecting ammunition in Queensland
Defining collectors’ ammunition
Collectors’ ammunition is considered an explosive under the Explosives Act 1999 (Qld). It is controlled under the Act for the safety of the community.
Collectors’ ammunition means ammunition that is not for use, including:
- small arms ammunition, except where the projectile is filled with a high explosive charge or fitted with a live fuse
- other ammunition that doesn’t contain explosives.
Small arms ammunition refers to ammunition for a firearm, including primers (cap type) used for reloading the ammunition for a shotgun and any firearm with a calibre no more than 25.4mm.
Being authorised to possess or collect ammunition
If you collect ammunition, you must either:
You may possess small arms ammunition and propellant powders only if you are licensed to do so or otherwise authorised under the Weapons Act 1990 to use a firearm.
Alternatively, you must be licensed or otherwise authorised under the Explosives Act to possess these explosives to import, export, manufacture, sell, store or transport.
You can’t fill or reload ammunition for distribution or sale unless you’re authorised to manufacture that ammunition under the Explosives Act.
What this doesn’t apply to
This doesn’t apply to the following items, as they’re not considered collectors’ ammunition:
- any cartridge case free from explosive material
- inert components of small arms ammunition (e.g. cartridge cases or projectiles)
- any ammunition that has been sectioned (cut up, divided up or segmented) or had its integrity destroyed in any way.
Illegal exploding targets
Products commonly known as reactive targets, reactive rifle targets, exploding targets or target indicators have been developed and marketed overseas, and are often sold online. Commercial names include Zomboom®, Shockwave®, Sure Shot®, Firebird®, Star Targets®, Kick Ass® and Tannerite®.
These explosives products are illegal and prohibited under the Explosives Act.
It is an offence to import, export and manufacture these items. The penalty can be a fine of up to 400 penalty units or 6 months imprisonment.
If you sell, store or use these items without an authority the penalty can be a fine of up to 200 penalty units or 3 months imprisonment.
This guide provides information on how to apply for a licence to collect ammunition, obligations under the licence, how to possess and store small arms ammunition and potential hazards to avoid.
Related links
- Find out about sentencing fines and penalties for offences.
-
Applying for a licence to collect ammunition
A licence to collect ammunition authorises the licence holder to import, export, purchase, possess, sell, transport and store collectors' ammunition, but not to use the ammunition.
Security clearance requirements
A security clearance is not required for a licence to collect ammunition.
How to apply
Individuals
Complete Form E200 - Application for an occupational authority (licence to collect ammunition).
Note: If you apply for an occupational authority, your biometric data (digital photo and signature) will be retained while your licence remains current. It will destroyed if your application is withdrawn or refused, or your licence expires.
Corporations or partnerships
Complete Form E202 - Application for a licence to collect ammunition corporate or partnership.
Fees and payment options
Licence fees for applications can only be paid for by credit card (via BPOINT) following submission of the online form. Read more information on payment of licence fees.
Fees for licences to collect ammunition
Licence class Licence fee and period Licence to collect ammunition 1 year $17.37 (excl. GST)
5 years $86.85 (excl. GST)Obligations of licence holders
Collectors' ammunition, other than small arms ammunition, under the category "other collectors' ammunition" must be free from explosives.
On the request of an Explosives Inspector, you must demonstrate that the collectors' ammunition is free of explosive material, to that inspector’s reasonable satisfaction. This may be achieved by a certificate from a competent person stating the items are cleared of explosive content.
Authorised collectors may sell collectors’ ammunition only to another authorised ammunition collector.
You must record a list of the items and ensure that no unauthorised person can access the collectors’ ammunition.
Arms fairs
The organiser of an arms fair who holds an 'Approval to conduct an arms fair', issued by Queensland Police under the Weapons Act 1990, can apply for a permit to store explosives - arms fair.
This allows appropriately licensed and authorised sellers to store and sell small arms ammunition and collectors' ammunition at an arms fair.
- Read Explosives information bulletin 75 for more information about the sale of small arms ammunition and collectors' ammunition at arms fairs.
-
Prescribed ammunition collectors
A prescribed ammunition collector may be a:
- museum
- the Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch)
- a sub-branch of the Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch)
- person who is a member of a collectors’ association approved by the Chief Inspector of Explosives.
A prescribed ammunition collector can purchase, possess, sell, transport and store collectors’ ammunition, but not import, export or use the ammunition.
They are authorised only while remaining a member of an approved collectors association.Becoming approved as a collectors’ association
An association may apply to the Chief Inspector for approval as a collectors’ association.
To approve an association as a collectors’ association, the Chief Inspector must be ‘reasonably satisfied’ that the association:
- keeps a record of the name and address of each member of the association
- sends written correspondence to all its members at least once a year
- will, with the consent of the association’s members, make the names and addresses of its members available.
Currently approved collectors’ associations
These collectors associations are currently approved:
- Australian Arms Munitions and Militaria Historical Society Inc
- Arms Collectors’ Guild of Queensland Inc.
- Historical Arms Collectors’ Branch of the Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia
- Australian Cartridge Collectors’ Association
- 11th Light Horse Caboolture Troop & Military Museum Association Inc
- Firearm Designer Theamic Collectors Association Inc.
- Queensland Living History Federation
- Asset Firearm and Crossbow Club
-
Storing small arms ammunition
If you’re a shooter, you must comply with relevant legislation and meet your duty of care regarding storing small arms ammunition.
Small arms ammunition refers to ammunition for a firearm, including primers (cap type) used for reloading the ammunition for a shotgun and any firearm with a calibre no more than 25.4mm.
How to store the ammunition
You must store small arms ammunition (SAA):
- in its original packaging, or in packaging or containers designed to protect the ammunition individually
and - in a secure container or on a shelf that unauthorised people can’t access
and - in a secured area.
Protecting SAA individually
Protecting SAA individually means the packaging or container protects every safety cartridge from damage or harm during normal storage, including friction, impact, static, heat in handling the packaging or container, and adjacent things such as chemicals, dangerous goods and water. (This doesn’t include abnormal or emergent situations, such as fire.)
Secure containers
A secure container is a spark-proof container that’s kept closed at all times except when the SAA is placed in or removed from the packaging or container. A spark from an external source can’t enter the secure container when it’s stored and not being handled. (This doesn’t apply to steel packaging or containers.)
Ice-cream containers, take away food containers, glass jars with screw lids, plastic bags with zip-lock seals, coffee tins and similar containers are not acceptable as secure containers. You may use them as inner packaging inside a secure container for storage.
Secure areas
You must store the SAA in a secured area in a separate area from firearms (with different locks and different keys or combinations), unless you’re authorised to do so under the Weapons Act 1990. A secured area might include a drawer, cabinet, cupboard, room or other enclosure that’s locked when no one is around.
More than 10,000 safety cartridges
If you store more than 10,000 safety cartridges in a secured area, you must display a classification sign (class 1.4S) for the cartridges you’re storing. The Australian Standard AS 2187 defines a safety cartridge as ‘a cartridge for small arms weapons or industrial tools which are explosives of Classification Code 1.4S’. A drill, dummy or inert round or cartridge is not a safety cartridge.
The classification sign—at least 100mm square—must be attached as follows:
- if on a drawer—on the outward-facing surface of the drawer
- if on a cabinet—on the exterior surface of the cabinet
- if on a cupboard—on the exterior surface of the cupboard
- if in a room or other enclosure—at each entrance to the room or enclosure
See Explosives Regulation for more definitions and explanations.
Packaging and containers
Original packaging
Original packaging is the retail packaging supplied by the commercial manufacturer and sold over the counter at the retail outlet (e.g. a gun shop).
This packaging should be made from steel, aluminium, ordinary natural wood, plywood, reconstituted wood, fibreboard, cardboard, expanded plastics, solid plastics or in drums with removable head steel, removable head aluminium, plywood, and removable head plastic.
As the original packaging is considered a secure container, you don’t need an additional secure container as well.
Original packaging that you get from retail premises and store at a domestic residence is regarded as a secure container. This may be the inner packaging alone.
Storing for own use
The term ‘in packaging or containers’ applies to storing SAA for own use either:
- by shooters who repackage small arms ammunition from original packaging for any reason
- for shooters who reload and package their own small arms ammunition.
You would acquire this packaging or container for storing SAA, so it is not the original packaging from the commercial manufacturer (not the shooter who reloads for self-use). It does not have to be dangerous goods-approved packaging. The packaging or container must be similar to the original packaging.
No other specific requirements apply if the packaging or container is loaded into a secure container as explained above, or the packaging is a plastic box made for storing ammunition and is stored closed.
Note: A shooter who reloads their own SAA for their own use is a manufacturer. Reloaded SAA doesn’t need to be packed into original packaging (as above).
If the packaging or container meets the requirements of a secure container, you do not need an additional secure container. The requirements are similar in quality and material of construction as the original packaging (see above).
The packaging or containers for SAA need only be similar to the original packaging supplied at retail. The SAA should be:
- packed in good quality packaging that’s strong enough to withstand shocks and loadings during handling and storage
- constructed and closed to avoid losing contents during storage and handling
- properly closed to be a spark-proof container
- encased in packaging that’s clearly marked on the outside surface with the calibre, characteristics of the loaded SAA and maximum quantity of SAA.
Note: In an emergency, responders must be able to identify the contents of the packaging or container as SAA. You can put any other special information important to the shooter on the packaging or container.
- in its original packaging, or in packaging or containers designed to protect the ammunition individually
-
Importing collector's ammunition
The importation of ammunition (including components) and magazines is controlled under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956. Importers must obtain permission to bring ammunition and magazines into Australia.
You can apply for permission to import from the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.
Download the application to import Schedule 2 & 3 weapons from the Customs website or obtain one up from any Australian Customs Service (Customs) office.
You will need to include a written authorisation from the Queensland Police Service that you are legally allowed to possess the items in your home state (form B709B), and a licence to collect ammunition from the Explosives Inspectorate.
A completed application lodged with Customs takes at least 3 weeks to process. You must obtain permission before the goods arrive in Australia.
There are penalties for importing these goods without approval. More information is available.
Email Customs for advice before making a purchase: weaponspolicy@customs.gov.au.
Contact the Customs Information and Support Centre on 1300 363 263 or information@customs.gov.au for any Customs matters, or go to their website.
Related links
- Explosives Act 1999.
- Explosives Regulation 2003.
- Weapons Act 1990.
- Learn more about arms fairs and the sale of small arms ammunition and collectors’ ammunition in Explosives Information bulletin 75.
- Read how using explosives for target practice is illegal in Explosives important notice 15.
- Download poster Surrender of small arms ammunition (PDF, 580KB).
-
Homemade explosives
Dangers of homemade explosives
Homemade explosive mixes are highly unpredictable. Friction, impact, static electricity and heat can all cause them to explode. They can also become unstable when they are exposed to movement, metals, electricity, moisture, light or atmospheric gases and chemicals.
Homemade explosive devices are never safe. They can kill or maim the maker and people in the immediate area, as well as cause damage to property or serious fires. The damage from injuries can last for life.
Dangers of online recipes
The proliferation of explosives recipes online has been blamed for the increased production of illegal homemade explosive devices. These recipes are dangerous, incorrect and unsafe.
Penalties for homemade explosives
There are severe penalties in Queensland for making, possessing and using explosive devices illegally. Penalties of a fine of up to 400 penalty units or 6 months imprisonment apply for the possession and manufacture of explosives by individuals who do not hold a valid licence to own or make them.
Report illegal explosives use
Report suspicious behaviour by contacting the police in an emergency or the National Security hotline on 1800 123 400.
Indicators and warnings of homemade explosives
Be vigilant and look for signs of children and young adults manufacturing homemade explosive devices. These are some signs you should look out for and actions you can take following any suspicions.
Secretive, unexplained or change in behaviour
- unexplained use of hand tools and electrical equipment
- unexplained expenditure of pocket money
- interest in making things from a combination of chemicals, hardware, electrical items and sources of ignition
- secret bags or backpacks.
Unexplained sporting items
- tennis, golf and ping pong balls used to hold chemical mixtures
- protective equipment such as gloves and padding.
Substances and chemicals
- pulling apart large quantities of party poppers, sparklers or caps, accessing explosive mechanisms
- acquiring and mixing of house hold chemicals, pool cleaning chemicals or fuels.
Unusual items which can be used to contain mixed chemicals
- collection of metal and plastic pipes
- mixing equipment
- glassware, plastic containers or wooden mixing instruments
- electrical and packing tape
- different types of hobby material (e.g. specialised glues and screws, nails and plastic caps)
- aluminium foil
Computer and social media activity
- explosives web sites
- search bar activities
- formulations and photographs
- YouTube videos
- chat rooms
- Facebook and other social media sites.
Prevention and intervention
- talk to your children and discuss their interests
- monitor your children's computer time and pocket money
- keep chemicals under lock and key
- keep chemical storage areas and tool sheds locked
- supervise and control children’s activities in chemical storage areas and in tool sheds
- look for strange, unexpected or secretive behaviour
- seek counsel for your children's suspicious behaviour.
Related links
- Find out about sentencing fines and penalties for offences.
- Learn how to surrender explosives.
- Explosives Act 1999.
- Explosives Regulation 2017.
- Download poster Explosives are dangerous DON’T TOUCH (PDF, 1.6MB).
-
Distress signals
Distress signals include:
- flares
- pyrotechnical distress signals
- landing flares
- highway fuses
- line carrying rockets
- smoke generators (i.e. items used for signalling, warning, rescue or similar purposes).
Conditions of use for flares
You:
- don’t need a licence to purchase or possess a flare as long as it is not past its use-by date.
- must only use flares in an emergency. Penalties apply if you use them inappropriately.
- must dispose of out-of-date flares as soon as possible using collection bins provided by the Queensland Government.
Disposing of expired flares
Check the expiry dates on the side of each flare and dispose of out-of-date flares as soon as possible.
Out-of-date marine flares can be disposed of in special collection bins provided by Maritime Safety Queensland.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my flares when they reach their expiry date?
No. It is illegal to possess the flares past the use-by (expiry) date.
Can I carry an extra flare kit that is only a few months out of expiry?
No. Flares are only authorised for use in Queensland when they are within their use-by date. Once expired, they are unauthorised explosives. It is illegal to possess unauthorised explosives in Queensland.
Related links
Explosives, 26 Feb 2024, [https://oss-uat.clients.squiz.net/emergency/safety/explosives-fireworks/explosives]
This document is uncontrolled when printed. Before using the information in this document you should verify the current content on https://oss-uat.clients.squiz.net/emergency/safety/explosives-fireworks/explosives.