On the 4th Dec 2007, thanks to years of discussions between UKRA and the HSE, there were changes made pertaining to the storage and shipping of rocket motors and other accessories classed as explosive.
As a result there is now no or very little paperwork required for most of us to enjoy our hobby. All model, mid and some smaller high powered rocket motors can now be purchased without an Explosives License, but you will still require RCA documentation for transportation.
Those of us who wish to fly K motors and above or store a large amount of Motors or black powder will still require explosive and storage paperwork.
The law in summary is as follows.
Any person over the age of 18 is allowed to purchase and store a combined total of 5kg of explosives (Please note: with rocket motors the weight is the net propellant weight), and the explosive must be contained within the list of exemptions.
To help you out I have compiled a list by UN Number of some of the common items and motors used in rocketry.
UN No |
Manufacturer |
Description |
Type |
RCA Req |
Explosive Licence Required |
0027 |
- |
Black Powder |
Powder |
Yes |
Yes |
0161 |
Hodgsons |
Pyrodex P |
Powder |
Yes |
No (under 5kg) |
0186 |
Cesaroni |
Pro75 Pro98 |
Motor |
Yes |
Yes |
0275 |
Aerotech |
RMS 54mm |
Motor |
Yes |
No for motors under 1kg net propellant and (under 5kg). yes for motors above 1kg net propellant. |
0275 |
Aerotech |
RMS 75, 98mm |
Motor |
Yes |
Yes |
0275 |
Congreve |
24-38mm Reloads |
Motor |
Yes |
No (under 5kg) |
0275 |
Congreve |
54mm Reloads |
Motor |
Yes |
No for motors under 1kg net propellant and (under 5kg). yes for motors above 1kg net propellant. |
0349 |
Aerotech |
Single use motor |
Motor |
Yes |
No (under 5kg) |
0351 |
Aerotech |
Hobby line 18-29mm |
Motor |
Yes |
No (under 5kg) |
0351 |
Aerotech |
RMS 29-38mm |
Motor |
Yes |
No (under 5kg) |
0351 |
Cesaroni |
Pro38 |
Motor |
Yes |
No (under 5kg) |
0351 |
Cesaroni |
Pro54 |
Motor |
Yes |
No for motors under 1kg net propellant and (under 5kg). yes for motors above 1kg net propellant. |
0432 |
Estes |
A to D |
Motor |
No |
No (under 5kg) |
0499 |
Hodgsons |
Pyrodex Pellets |
Misc |
Yes |
Yes |
Once again I must stress that the 5kg limit is a COMBINED total of all the items you have stored.
An example combination is:
1Kg Tub Pyrodex P, plus 1Kg of mixed Estes A-D and 3Kg of Cesaroni reloads. No single motor having more than 1Kg net propellant. |
