Applying for a security sensitive ammonium nitrate import/export licence

SSAN is any substance that contains more than 45% ammonium nitrate.

The only exceptions are:

• when it is already categorised as an explosive, or
• it is in a water-based mixture containing two or more components and the components do not form separate layers when the product is left standing.

A security sensitive ammonium nitrate import/export licence is required to:

• import or export security sensitive ammonium nitrate overseas to or from Western Australia
• supply a security sensitive ammonium nitrate to others who are authorised to possess it.

The security sensitive ammonium nitrate import/export licence is issued for five years.

Overseas import or export notification

An import notice or export notice must be lodged with the department’s Chief Officer at least seven days in advance of any consignment of security sensitive ammonium nitrate coming from or going overseas.

Consignment entry and exit points

Security sensitive ammonium nitrate imported and exported to and from Western Australia go through various ports or airports. Each location differs in respect to:

• loading and unloading facilities
• load limits on explosives based on safety distances
• security arrangements
• transit storage facilities
• transport routes from the ports or airports.

The types and quantities of security sensitive ammonium nitrate being imported or exported may preclude the use of certain ports or airports. As such, applicants may nominate more than one entry point on their application.

Further information: Importers and exporters of ammonium nitrate should liaise with the relevant port or airport authorities to ensure the entry points they wish to use are approved to handle ammonium nitrate and the quantities involved.

Licences can be granted to an individual, body corporate or partnership.

Individuals must be at least 21 years of age.

To develop the submission, it is recommended that those intending to apply for a licence engage a dangerous goods consultant accredited to prepare and submit security sensitive ammonium nitrate applications. The consultant will normally complete the application form on the applicant’s behalf, but the intended licensee must sign the application.

Applications submitted without accredited consultant endorsement may take up to three months to process and a checking fee applies. Deficient submissions will take longer to process.

The completed application must be signed by the intended licensee and lodged with the following supporting information:

• Security plan
• Security clearance
• Details of any conviction and/or charge pending relating to a relevant offence
• Proof of identity - certified documents showing the name of the entity

The following information may assist in obtaining the required supporting information.

Security plan

A security plan is a pre-condition for obtaining a licence. The content of a security plan is prescribed in the Dangerous Goods Safety (Security Sensitive Ammonium Nitrate) Regulations 2007, which require licence holders to develop a written document including a security risk assessment and other prescribed elements.

To assist in developing your security plan, a template has been developed and copies are available from the Department website.

Use of this template is not mandatory; however, the security plan should sufficiently address the national Ammonium Nitrate Guidance Note No. 2, Storage.

Further information: It is important that the particular details of the products to be imported or exported are accurately described. Applicants should refer to products by the authorised name, and include the Classification Code and the United Nations (UN) Number.

Security clearance

Security sensitive ammonium nitrate licences are only issued to applicants in possession of a valid security clearance, which is a pre-condition of the licensing process.

Relevant offence

Applicants must disclose details of any “relevant offence” for which they have been convicted, or have charges pending. A relevant offence is an offence against:

• the Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004 (Act), or any regulations made under the Act
• a law of another place that substantially corresponds to the Act or the regulations made under it.

Proof of identity

Licences can be issued to an individual, body corporate, partnership or trust.

Only the licence fee for the first year of the licence is to be lodged with the application. Licence fees for subsequent years will be billed annually.

A checking fee applies for new applications without accredited consultant endorsement.

The completed and signed application form must be accompanied by:

• required information
• the fee
  • this can be paid by credit card (details on application form)
  • by cheque made payable to the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
  • cash payments can only be made when lodging in person.

Emailed to: cso@dmirs.wa.gov.au

Mailed to:
Dangerous Goods Licensing
Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
Locked Bag 100
East Perth WA 6892

Lodged in person:
303 Sevenoaks Street (entrance via Grose Avenue)
Cannington WA 6107

Transporting dangerous goods in limited quantities

Reporting an incident

Dangerous goods pipeline registration holders are responsible for reporting accidents and incidents arising from their activities in Western Australia, including unexplained losses or theft.

Other guidance

Applicable legislation

For any enquiries please contact Dangerous Goods Licensing:
Phone: (08) 6251 2300
Email: cso@dmirs.wa.gov.au