Explosives must be approved before they can be imported or manufactured in New Zealand.
All explosives are hazardous substances. You need to check to see if the explosive is legally approved for use in New Zealand before it can be imported.
To manufacture or import a new explosive into New Zealand for the first time, you need to make an application for approval so we can assess the risks of the explosive and determine the rules (controls) around it.
However, since 1 October 2018, an import certificate is no longer required for:
explosives that do not require a controlled substance licence under the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017
novelty and noise-maker fireworks specified in regulation 4(2) of the Hazardous Substances (Fireworks) Regulations 2001, such as party poppers and Christmas crackers.
A transhipment is where a hazardous substance is imported into New Zealand for the sole purpose of exporting it again within 20 working days. This includes goods which remain on a vessel or craft (including aircraft) or are put into storage prior to export.
If the explosives being transhipped are not approved or cannot meet the rules (requirements) placed on it, then you need to apply for a transhipment approval.
If you need a transhipment approval you need to apply at least one month before the substance is to be transhipped.
There are rules to do with the import, storage, and sale of retail fireworks. We’ve put together a factsheet and Code of Practice to help you understand your obligations.
A sample of each consignment must also be tested for safety and have a certificate issued by or on behalf of the EPA. Please contact us if this is what you need to do.
All imported retail fireworks are required to be tested by an EPA approved fireworks certifier.
Check our register for information on the fireworks certifiers delegated by us to issue certificates for retail fireworks.
Outdoor firework displays
Outdoor pyrotechnic displays are closely regulated and there are a number or rules you need to know if you are planning to hold a display. More information about these rules is available from WorkSafe.
Selected ports in New Zealand have been assessed for their suitability for handling shipments of explosives. Check the list below for information about which ports are suitable.
Recommended Maximum Quantities (NEQ) for Main Ports
Port
Berth
Specified Point
Max Recommended NEQ (kg) when packed in ISO containers
Class 1.1/1.5
Class 1.2
Class 1.3
Auckland
Fergusson
Freyberg
Freyberg
Jellicoe
Jellicoe
Bledisloe
Bledisloe
Outer
West outer
East outer
West outer
East outer
West outer
East outer
36,000
4,500
4,500
20,000
5,000
12,000
16,000
4,000
90
90
1,400
100
550
900
170,000
22,000
22,000
95,000
24,000
55,000
75,000
Onehunga
LOLO
1,500
12
7,000
Tauranga
S. Point
S. Point
Berth 11
Berth 24
Berth 23
55,000
55,000
6,000
9,000
9,000
160
200,000
200,000
28,000
Napier
Kirk. No. 5
Outer
59,000
10,000
200,000
N. Plymouth
Blyde
Outer
7,000
200
34,000
Wellington
Refer to CentrePort for quantity limits
Lyttleton
Cashin Q
12,000
500
55,000
P Chalmers
No 1
16,000
900
75,000
(as of January 2010)
Information about classes
There is no limit on the amount of class 1.4 explosives that can be handled provided a fire safety zone of at least 25 metres is maintained from all other goods. The designated transfer zone should be of radius 25 metres. However, consideration should be given to the type of explosive and quantity (i.e. the hazard presented) and any exposed sites to determine the appropriate transfer zone distance. Quantity-distance limits do not apply to retail fireworks that are controlled by the Hazardous Substances (Fireworks) Regulations 2001. Neither do they apply to safety ammunition (including pre-primed cartridges and primers) of classification 1.4S.
Propellant powders
Propellant powders in quantities greater than 500kg are classified as class 1.1C
Lyttleton Port Company
On application to Lyttleton Port Company, shipments of class 1.1 of up to 48,000 kg may be accepted depending on berth availability and case by case consideration.
Quantity limits for explosives handled at ports
The recommendations for cargos of explosives, at specified berths at each port, are presented in the table: Recommended Maximum Class 1 Quantities (NEQ) for Main Ports (see above for table). The NEQ differs according to the categories of explosives.
These quantities are recommended values. Each port company wishing to accept vessels carrying explosives or handle consignments of explosives must determine how they achieve compliance with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017. Please send any specific enquiries on these Regulations to WorkSafe.
Some port companies have conducted their own studies and separately determined quantity limits. In this case, the relevant port company should be contacted to establish their requirements before arranging for the movement of explosives through that port.
The recommended quantity limits are based on a report conducted by Opus International Consultants Limited. Detailed reports on each of the ports were provided to the respective port companies.