Activities relating to explosives in ports are covered by the The Dangerous Goods in Harbour Areas Regulations 2016 (DGHAR).
DGHAR prohibits, with certain exceptions, explosives from being brought into or handled in a harbour area unless such activities are covered by an explosives licence granted by HSE.
An explosives licence is also required for:
- loading explosives on board a vessel
- unloading explosives from a vessel
This applies when it occurs on any part of the coast or in the tidal waters of Great Britain or within the territorial waters adjacent to Great Britain.
The licence provides a means to specify any conditions or restrictions that need to apply to a particular harbour area, including limits on the type and quantities of explosive handled and where in the harbour area such handling activities may take place.
There are exceptions to the licensing requirements, either to explosives which do not present a significant risk, or because the conditions under which they are handled do not warrant a licence.
Ports licence applications
Applications can be submitted by a harbour authority, a berth operator or a person having interest in the activities involved.
Guidance on applying for a ports licence
More information on application forms, detailed guidance notes and fees on the explosive forms page.
Security of explosives at ports
For advice on the security of explosives at ports, contact the Explosives Inspectorate.