Import of explosives can be grouped into 2 categories: (A) import for use in Hong Kong; and (B) import for transshipment. The requirements for each category are described below.

A.    Import of Explosives for use in Hong Kong   1.    Any person who plans to import explosives into Hong Kong for use locally must ensure that the explosives have been approved for use in Hong Kong. 2.    The required approval has to be sought by completing a form titled "Application for Approval of Explosives for Use in Hong Kong". The form should normally be completed by the manufacturer of the explosive products and submitted to Mines Division (Mines D) for further processing. 3.    Before arranging for the import, storage space has to be secured. Depending on the type of explosives, this may be done by either applying for a storage space in the Government Explosives Depot or a Mode B store licence. Only safety cartridges and cartridges for small arms not exceeding 20,000 rounds and manufactured fireworks not exceeding 200 kg can be stored in a Mode B store. 4.    The application for a storage space in the Government Explosives Depot should be made by a letter addressed to the Chief Geotechnical Engineer of the Mines D eight weeks in advance. Mines D will inform the applicant if a storage space has been reserved for him or not. 5.    The application for a Mode B store licence should be made by filling in a form titled "Application Form for a Licence to Store CAT 1 D. G. (*Ammunition/Marine Pyrotechnics)" and submitting it to Mines D for further processing. 6.    For the transportation of the explosives to the Government Explosives Depot or the Mode B store, a removal permit is required. This can be obtained by filling in a form titled "Application for Removal Permit(s) to Convey Category 1 Dangerous Goods on Land" and submitting it to the Mines D at least one day before the explosives arrived in Hong Kong.

Forty-eight hours prior to the arrival of the vessel in Hong Kong waters, the agent/owner/master of vessel must submit a dangerous goods manifest to the Director of Marine. The format of the dangerous goods manifest can be obtained from Marine Department

B.    Import of explosives for transshipment 1.    Any person who plans to import explosives into Hong Kong for transshipment purpose via land has to apply for a removal permit from the Mines D by completing a form titled "Application for Removal Permit(s) to Convey Category 1 Dangerous Goods on Land" and submitting it to the Mines D before arranging the import of the explosives. The transshipment has to be done in the same day unless storage space in a licensed magazine has been arranged. The information that is normally required for the application of the removal permit is: classification certificate issued by a recognised Competent Authority; import and export license and written consent issued by the authority of the receiving country; satisfactory written emergency procedure; and evidence showing that the driver of the vehicle has been trained to understand the nature of the dangers to which the particular dangerous goods being carried may give rise and the action to be taken in an emergency concerning them. 2.    Forty-eight hours prior to the arrival of the vessel in Hong Kong waters, the agent/owner/master of vessel must submit a dangerous goods manifest to the Director of Marine. The format of the dangerous goods manifest can be obtained from Marine Department.

Further enquiries can be made to the Mines Division of the Civil Engineering Development Department, address: 25/F, 410 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Telephone: (852) 2716 8666. Facsimile: (852) 2714 0193. E-mail address: mines@cedd.gov.hk.