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:

• hold a current licence to collect ammunition
• be a prescribed ammunition collector.

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.