Explosive Regulations and the Industry
Importation of Explosives
The ERD controls the type and quantity of Authorized explosives that are imported with Importation Permits and Importation Reporting.
With the exception of explosives under the direct control of the Department of National Defence, Importation Permits are required for the importation into Canada of any explosive in accordance with its type and quantity. Normally, an Importation Permit is granted to allow the importation of explosives that appear on the List of Authorized Explosives. Some basic restrictions apply to the importation of large quantities of explosives. The two main restriction are the possession of a licence for storage (for sale or use, see Licensing), and the possession of a certification as an authorized user of Fireworks and Special Effects Pyrotechnics.
An Exemption Table is noted in the Explosive Regulations that outlines what types and quantities of explosives can be imported into Canada for personal use and not for sale without requiring an Importation Permit, e.g., ammunition, propellant powders, safety flares.
Application for an import permit Form 13 (PDF, 130 kb)
| Explosive Type | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Safety cartridges | 5000 |
| Percussion caps (primers) for safety cartridges | 5000 |
| Empty primed cartridge cases | 5000 |
| Gunpowder (black powder) in canisters of 500 g or less and smokeless powder in canisters of 4000 g or less | 8 kg |
| Model rocket engines | 6 |
| Pyrotechnic distress signals and lifesaving devices | Any quantity necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft, train, vessel or vehicle in which they are transported, or for the safety of the occupants |