What is a security sensitive ammonium nitrate?

How is a security sensitive ammonium nitrate defined?

A security sensitive ammonium nitrate (previously known as security risk substances) is defined as a substance that contains more than 45 per cent ammonium nitrate, unless:

  • it is an explosive, or
  • it is an aqueous solution, being a homogenous mixture of two or more components in a single phase.

Some calcium ammonium nitrate products qualify as a security sensitive ammonium nitrate.

Due to their nature, there are more stringent security requirements for the licensing, storage and handling and transport of security sensitive ammonium nitrate than for standard dangerous goods. Security sensitive ammonium nitrate licences are required for the following activities:

  • import or export
  • manufacture
  • supply
  • transport
  • storage.

Information about chemicals of security concern is available at the National Security website.

Why are some dangerous goods considered to be a security risk?

The basis for regulations relating to security sensitive ammonium nitrate is the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreement of 25 June 2004 related to counter-terrorism measures.

The following National guidance notes support the COAG agreement of 25 June 2004 against inappropriate use of ammonium nitrate.

Ammonium nitrate guidance note No.1 - Transport - 88 Kb

The following National guidance note supports the COAG agreement of 25 June 2004 against inappropriate use of ammonium nitrate.

Ammonium nitrate guidance note No.2 - Storage - 48 Kb

This guidance note on the safe and secure storage of ammonium nitrate.

Ammonium nitrate guidance note No.3 - Agricultural Use - 92 Kb

The following National guidance note supports the COAG agreement of 25 June 2004 against inappropriate use of ammonium nitrate.

The security requirements of the security sensitive ammonium nitrate regulations are in addition to the requirements of the other dangerous goods safety regulations.

Overview of security sensitive ammonium nitrate regulations - information sheet - 289 Kb

This document is for guidance only and the definitive statutory requirements are contained in the Dangerous Goods Safety (Security Sensitive Ammonium Nitrate) Regulations 2007.

Reporting incidents and accidents

Scope of reporting

Incident reporting for security sensitive ammonium nitrate covers both safety and security aspects.

Mining operations

An incident or accident on a mine site involving a security sensitive ammonium nitrate may also need to be reported under the mines safety legislation.