Importing Class 1.4S 'Dangerous' Goods into the UK from South Africa

[Martin Winlow]

Hi,

I'm looking for some guidance on what obligations there are on my company importing a quantity of articles used in rock-breaking into the UK from South Africa. I have a 'certificate of competency' for actually using the devices having done a course a while back. Unfortunately, the company that provided the training no longer responds to attempts to contact them - perhaps they have run into the same sort of roadblock as I appear to in terms of actually getting hold of the product...?

I have an import agent on board who will handle the customs, etc, side of things but they are unable to advise on what documentation I need to actually import, possess, transport and store the goods.

As far as transport goes, I propose to collect the goods from Heathrow (the only airport the supplier can send to in the UK) myself, although for subsequent shipments, I will probably employ an agent as I am based on the east coast of Scotland. In any event, I will still need to transport the goods myself for the last section f the journey as this is by scheduled ferry (who I have already contacted and seem happy about conveying the goods - albeit with some rigmarole).

Any help would be much appreciated as it seems to be a very poorly supported area.

MW
EVBitz.uk Ltd

 

[WaveJumper]

Have a look here

HSE Explosives - Frequently asked questions

www.hse.gov.uk

 

[Martin Winlow]

Thank you but the articles concerned (being designated as Class 1.4S and UN0432) are specifically *not* 'explosives'. I am beginning to think I may be overthinking this - after all the manufacturer makes much of the lack of need for compliance with regulations in general surrounding the use of their product (which is called 'Autostem', BTW - autostemtechnology.com) but I do not want to do anything unlawful (obvs!) or get stopped and get prosecuted and have the goods seized.

It really is a complete mess. Why can't I just plug 'Class 1.4S and UN0432' into a website somewhere and it tells me all I need to know about importing, storing, using and transporting it?!

 

[Newchodge]

Thank you but the articles concerned (being designated as Class 1.4S and UN0432) are specifically *not* 'explosives'. I am beginning to think I may be overthinking this - after all the manufacturer makes much of the lack of need for compliance with regulations in general surrounding the use of their product (which is called 'Autostem', BTW - autostemtechnology.com) but I do not want to do anything unlawful (obvs!) or get stopped and get prosecuted and have the goods seized.

It really is a complete mess. Why can't I just plug 'Class 1.4S and UN0432' into a website somewhere and it tells me all I need to know about importing, storing, using and transporting it?!

Contact the Home Office?

 

[paulears]

That stuff is covered by the 'Articles Pyrotechnic' safety regs I think.
Gov info.
I discovered that in Northern Ireland, I also need an explosives licence from the Police Service of NI, and storage is quite rigidly monitored and controlled.

 

[Martin Winlow]

That stuff is covered by the 'Articles Pyrotechnic' safety regs I think.
Gov info.
I discovered that in Northern Ireland, I also need an explosives licence from the Police Service of NI, and storage is quite rigidly monitored and controlled.

Thanks. "I also need an explosives licence..." Is this specifically for Autostem?

 

[Martin Winlow]

Contact the Home Office?

Thank you. Done that - awaiting a reply...

 

[paulears]

Not in England, Wales or Scotland but in NI - one of those quirks where there is a law, but it has NI on the end. My understanding is that articles pyrotechnic do not need an explosives licence outside of NI. How fireworks folk get left alone.