Manufacturing fireworks
Under regulation 64 of the Dangerous Goods Safety (Explosives) Regulations 2007, the manufacture of authorised explosives such as fireworks requires a person to hold an explosives manufacture licence. This licence authorises the manufacture of the explosive at the place where it is manufactured, unless the:
- explosive is named in, and the person manufactures it in accordance with, Schedule 5 of the explosives regulations, or
- a person holds a licence referred to in regulation 65 or 66, and manufactures the explosive in accordance with that regulation.
Learn more about explosives manufacture licence.
Manufacturing theatrical fireworks
Regulation 66 of the Dangerous Goods Safety (Explosives) Regulations 2007 refers to the licencing requirements for the manufacture of fireworks for theatrical entertainment:
“A person is authorised, without holding an explosives manufacture licence, to manufacture a firework for use in connection with theatrical entertainment if the person -
- holds a fireworks contractor licence, a fireworks operator licence, or a pyrotechnics (special use) licence, that authorises the manufacture; and
- in manufacturing the firework, uses only constituents hat
- are designed to be used in the manufacture of fireworks for theatrical entertainment; and
- are commercially available; and
- uses the constituents in accordance with the instructions of their manufacturer”.
Fireworks licences
Fireworks contractor licence
A fireworks contractor licence is required to:
- manufacture (subject to conditions), purchase, store (limited quantities), possess, transport (not more than Category 2 loads) and use fireworks.
- apply for a fireworks event permit.
Fireworks operator licence
A fireworks operator licence is needed to:
- possess, set up and initiate outdoor fireworks at a display covered under a fireworks event permit (while under the employ or supervision of a licensed fireworks contractor)
- initiate firecracker chains at ceremonial occasions under a ceremonial fireworks notice provided to the WA Police and the local council
- initiate indoor fireworks under a permit issued by Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).
Pyrotechnics (special use) licence
A pyrotechnics (special use) licence is required for the use of, and to hold theatrical fireworks or specialised pyrotechnics events.
To learn more about explosives licences including requirements, application, renewal and lodgement details, see Dangerous goods licensing.