Legal
These details are what UKRA currently understands to be correct however we have not had these checked by a lawyer or the HSE.
Summary of the situation
After years of discussions between UKRA and the HSE, most rocketeers now require very little paperwork. All model, mid and even some smaller high powered engines can now be purchased without an Explosives License, just an RCA is required for transportation purposes.
Rocketeers who wish to purchase larger motors (from about mid K) or store a large amount of motors or black powder, or thoes not on the list of exempted motors will still require paperwork.
The law in summary states that any person over the age of 18 is allowed to purchase and store a combined total of 5kg of explosives if that explosive is contained within a list of exemptions and each motor being less than 1Kg net propellant. Please note that with regard rocket motors the weight is the net propellant weight and not the gross weight which will include packaging. If you do not know the net propellant weight, then the law states that you must assume one quarter of the product weight is propellant.
If you do not meet the criteria above then you will need to get an Explosives License and an RCA. You will need to fill in an COER form which you can obtain by contacting your local police firarms division, once you have your Explosive license you can then fax it to the HSE to get the
appropriate RCA.
An RCA is also required for thoes who will be transporting motors covered by the excemptions (i.e. between your home and the launches), we have a copy of the sample letter created by Rocket Store once you have edited it, it can be emailed to
explosives.licencing@hse.gsi.gov.uk.
The letter includes all the information for the exempted motors and also includes UN numbers for other common items that are exempt from the need for an explosives license e.g. quickmatch, igniters, Estes motors and PIC.
