To purchase, use, store, manufacture, supply and transport fireworks you need a licence. Only licensed pyrotechnicians can use fireworks in Western Australia.
The use of fireworks by the general public is banned in Western Australia (WA), except for unrestricted fireworks such as bon-bons, party poppers, Christmas crackers, throwdowns and sparklers.
Who can use fireworks?
Fireworks are classed as a type of explosive. Therefore in Western Australia, they can only be used by licensed pyrotechnicians or people under their direct supervision.
Licensing requirements
- Overview of explosives regulations : Information sheet
This document is for guidance only and the definitive statutory requirements are contained in the Explosives Regulations. - Pyrotechnics special use licence: General information
This information sheet is to guide you on the requirements for applying for and renewing pyrotechnics (special use) licences.
Conducting an event
Mandatory requirements for the conduct of outdoor or close proximity fireworks events are set out in the following codes of practice.
- Safe use of outdoor fireworks in Western Australia: Code of practice
This code of practice covers the safe use of outdoor firework, including firework equipment, workshop operations and events. - Safe use of close proximity fireworks in Western Australia: Code of practice
This code of practice covers the principles of safe transport, storage, handling, and use of close proximity fireworks.
Fireworks event permits
Fireworks event permits are required for:
- a single fireworks event
- a group of consecutive events at the same venue - where the intervening time is not greater than 48 hours.
Only a licensed fireworks operator or someone working in the presence of a licensed operator may actually set up and initiate fireworks at a fireworks event.
The department requires fireworks operators to complete a risk assessment before a display may commence.
Learn more about fireworks event permit.
Interstate import of fireworks
A notification is required when fireworks need to be imported from interstate for an event. The person importing fireworks must hold a current explosives transport licence.
The Fireworks (interstate import) notice must be lodged with the department at least 24 hours prior to the date of the expected arrival by the holder of a current explosives transport licence who imports the firework.
The licence holder must keep proper records of all imported fireworks for two years after the date of import.
Transport of fireworks
Fireworks must be transported in accordance with the Australian Explosives Code (AEC3).
What is required for the safe transport of explosives?
You must hold a licence to transport explosives by road or rail in quantities greater than those specified in the regulations.
Route restrictions apply for transporting explosives within Western Australia, as prescribed by the Dangerous Goods Safety (Explosives) Regulations 2007.
See Safe transport of explosives for licensing information and guidance.
Storage of fireworks
An Explosives storage licence is required to store any quantity of authorised explosives at a specific site (surface or underground).
Where separate entities store explosives at the same site in different storage facilities, a separate licence is required for each facility. Where a single storage facility is to be used by more than one entity, one of those entities must hold a licence and take responsibility for safety and security for that site. An explosives storage licence is issued for five years.
- AS 2187.0 - Explosives - Storage, transport and use - Terminology
- AS 2187.1 - Explosives - Storage, transport and use – Storage
- AS 2187.2 - Explosives - Storage and use - Use of explosives.
Applicable legislation
- Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004
- Dangerous Goods Safety (Explosives) Regulations 2007
- The Australian Explosives Code (AEC3) is available from Safe Work Australia.
- Overview of explosives regulations : Information sheet
This document is for guidance only and the definitive statutory requirements are contained in the Dangerous Goods Safety (Explosives) Regulations 2007. - Dangerous Goods Safety (Security Sensitive Ammonium Nitrate) Regulations 2007: Information sheet
This information sheet explains the main amendments in effect from 1 January 2014 under the Dangerous Goods Safety (Explosives) Regulations 2007 and Dangerous Goods Safety (Security Sensitive Ammonium Nitrate) Regulations 2007.