Applying for a security sensitive ammonium nitrate supply 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 supply licence is required to possess and 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.

When is a security sensitive ammonium nitrate supply licence not required?

Those who supply a security sensitive ammonium nitrate under any of the following licences do not require a security sensitive ammonium nitrate supply licence:

• security sensitive ammonium nitrate import/export licence
• security sensitive ammonium nitrate manufacture licence
• security sensitive ammonium nitrate storage licence
• security sensitive ammonium nitrate transport licence.

A licence is also not required for persons who work in:

• commercial laboratories and use the security sensitive ammonium nitrate for legitimate analytical or research work and the total quantity involved is less than 3 kg
• an educational institution or government organisation and use the security sensitive ammonium nitrate for legitimate analytical, educational or research purposes and the total quantity involved is less than three kilograms.

Storage of security sensitive ammonium nitrate

A security sensitive ammonium nitrate storage licence will be required for any quantity above three kilograms. A condition for this licence is the provision of a documented security plan.

If more than 10 tonnes of ammonium nitrate is stored, the site must be licensed under the Dangerous Goods Safety (Storage and Handling of Non-explosives) Regulations 2007.

If the storage site is classified by the Department’s Chief Dangerous Goods Officer as a major hazard facility (MHF), it will be subject to the Dangerous Goods Safety (Major Hazard Facilities) Regulations 2007 and the requirement to produce a safety report.

Special provisions for the sale of security sensitive ammonium nitrate

The licence holder is responsible for:

• maintaining records of all sales for a minimum of 5 years and the ability to identify theft or loss.
• supplying only to authorised persons over 18 years of age where the following documents are provided by the recipient of the security sensitive ammonium nitrate:
  • proof of identify in the form of a passport or motor driver’s licence (with photo)
  • evidence that the person is authorised to possess the quantity of security sensitive ammonium nitrate purchased either under the Dangerous Goods Safety (Explosives) Regulations 2007 or similar laws of another State or Territory of Australia
• where packaged, not supplying a security sensitive ammonium nitrate in damaged packaging.

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.
• The department will take into account the activities and nature of the work at the storage site, the storage of any dangerous goods and separation distances to determine the maximum quantities that can be stored at any one time.
• Failure to provide the required documentation will delay processing of applications. Most applications are dealt with within 20 business days.

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

Security sensitive ammonium nitrate licence holders are responsible for reporting accidents and incidents arising from their activities, 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