Amendment to the Explosives Regulations

WHAT ARE THE CHANGES?
To reduce safety and security concerns, the Explosives Regulatory Division (ERD) has made some changes to the sale and storage requirements of propellant powders (Part 14) and reactive targets (Part 13). These changes come into effect on May 22, 2024 and are summarized below.

PROPELLANT POWDER
To purchase black or smokeless powder, a buyer must provide proof that they possess one of the following:

• Purchase and Acquisition Licence (PAL)
• Fireworks Operator Certificate (FOC) pyrotechnician which is issued by Natural Resources Canada
• Public Agency Identification Number (PAIN)

The document number must be recorded. Other forms of government identification (e.g. passport or drivers licence) are no longer permitted. 

BLACK POWDER
A buyer may not purchase more than 25 kg of black powder unless they hold an explosives licence. The licence number must be recorded. A seller must have a licence if they store more than 25 kg. This has been reduced from 75 kg. Black powder must be sold in containers that do not exceed 500g. 

REACTIVE TARGETS
To purchase reactive targets (type S.2), a buyer must provide proof that they possess a Purchase and Acquisition Licence (PAL). The PAL number must be recorded. A buyer may not purchase more 6 kg of Type S.2 reactive targets (typically a case) unless they hold an explosive licence. The licence number must be recorded. This has been reduced from 20 kg. 

There are new requirements regarding the use of exploding targets such as prohibiting the addition of foreign materials, requiring that only one kit be mixed at a time and that multiple kits may not be combined together. Buyers can be directed to the website for additional information

• Visit www.nrcan.gc.ca/explosives for more information.
• Contact [email protected] for any questions.
• Download the PDF.