The collecting of ammunition is recognised as a good reason for possession by those who can

demonstrate they are bona fide collectors, or those with interests in research or an academic interest

in the subject of the development etc of firearms and ordnance. Reference in the Home Office

guidance to police [13.53] sets out that ammunition can be collected in its own right.

Ammunition collections are authorised by a Firearms Certificate, however dependant upon the

amounts and types of ammunition the collector wishes to acquire, other legal requirements may

present themselves and these are not always either known to or appreciated by the collector.

Firearms certificates issued for collections apply the Firearms Act definition of ammunition and there

is provision for the collection including exhibits to which section 5 applies. This can include all sizes

of ammunition and also those that have projectiles that are pyrotechnic (tracer), incendiary and high

explosive.

•

The anticipation is that a greater number of collections are concerned with ammunition that

can be described as small arms, in the main for firearms and shotguns.

A lesser number have an encompassing interest in the wider areas of ammunition and large

ordnance, including those articles that are grenades, missiles, bombs etc.

•

The additional regulatory areas have to be considered when items in the collection move outwith

ammunition that is regarded as possessing ‘inert projectiles’, or it is in some of the categories under

Section 5, e.g. containing noxious substances. In these cases other criteria needs to be addressed

by the collector. None of the issues in this paper relate to situations where the collection

The main area that arises is in the application of MSER. These regulations include provisions for all

classified forms of explosives including all the recognised types of ammunition. Hazard Type (HT) in

MSER creates both the appropriate licensing where that is applicable and also safety requirements.

Ammunition as any other explosives will, according to its classification, be placed in a HT group that

provides criteria that relates to its storage. There is a rough general matrix in Appendix A.

Ammunition articles are ‘explosives’ classified under the UN system, which encompasses all that

within the firearms act, but allocates it specifically to its hazard and will appear under a number of

references upon that basis. The risk in storage presents the main concern and the cumulative effect

that could occur in collections, where ammunition is not acquired for use and then replaced, but

continues to add to the explosive mass. It also has to be considered in the reckoning of amounts

where a person is both one who shoots and is also a collector.

When looking at allocations of ‘shooting’ ammunition in a firearms certificate there is a relatively

straight forward way to determine the amounts that could be kept by reference to the cartridge data.

This allows both the regulator and the certificate holder to be confident that the allocation authorised

would not exceed the limits for explosive to be kept without a licence or registration under MSER.

It needs to be remembered that ammunition that would in firearms legislation be regarded as

ammunition for firearms, may not co-relate when looking at the application for explosive storing under

MSER. There have been and are still cartridges that would be considered as fitting within the ‘small

arms’ criteria (by calibre or description), but for the fact that they possess explosive, incendiary or

illuminating effects in their projectiles. Such ammunition was in use in certain military rifle and light/

medium automated firearms cartridges of many nations armed forces, for example .303, 7.92mm, .50”

7.62mm NATO. Particular reference is made in a cartridge identification publication that the 20mm

rounds have explosives present in most that are not either ball or practice. All these present a

legitimate cartridge when considering a collection.

As a yard stick, under these regulations certain explosive limits are set for any place where

explosives, which includes all types of ammunition, are being stored in regard to –

•

The total of the explosive content in any small arms ammunition collected without being required

to licence or register -

The explosive content of any round of ammunition (a cartridge or shell) is determined by adding

the weight of the propellant to that of the primer and any other explosive material contained. This

provides the net mass of explosive (NEM) for explosive legislation purposes.

In small arms ammunition with inert projectiles this will be the powder load plus the accepted

average of a primer at .05gram (.8 grain). You may have, without a licence or registration to

store under MSER, small arms ammunition with a total content not more than 15 kilograms nett

explosive mass and in addition a further 5 kilograms, if you have no other explosives at your

premises. This includes items such as fireworks or flares which may be seasonal acquisitions.

•

What ammunition is included as ‘small arms.’

MSER states that “small arms ammunition” within the regulations refers only to those cartridges

classified as UN0012, - Cartridges for weapons, Inert projectile or cartridges, small arms; UN0014

- Cartridges for weapons blank, or cartridges, small arms; or UN0055 – Cases, cartridge, empty,

with primer, that are intended exclusively for use in small arms. The missile in any cartridge must

be of a type that is inert, usually described as ‘ball’. Cartridges with expanding missiles are also

inert

Under the UN system, the expression ‘small arms’ means a cartridge not exceeding 19.1mm

calibre (approximately 10 bore or .79”) or shotgun cartridges of whatever bore. This ammunition

will normally be seen as Hazard Type 4 for the purposes of safety in storage.

The general rule is that once removed from their authorised packaging, the likelihood is that

the Hazard represented will be increased. In certain large diameter or for long items, this can

relate to palletising and banding, not therefore found in “packaging” as we would understand the

word. In relation to ammunition for rifles and shotguns, the basic presumption is that it does not

normally move from HT4. When in storage it is for the person storing to determine the hazard

type if not readily identified by any packing. There is a need for the regulator to be satisfied that

the Collector has taken steps to assess or have assessed the appropriate Hazard Type presented

by any unpackaged ammunition and also that presented by any live explosive components of

ammunition that are within the collection. Whilst the firearms legislation does not control the

components of ammunition, explosive legislation does in these situations. There is no regulated

process for declaring any article “free from explosive” (FFE). The duty lies with the person

possessing.

The situation where the ammunition is of other types.

•

When looking at ammunition that is not “small arms”, its propellant, whilst making up probably a

bulk of a round, the amount of any other explosive, pyrotechnic or other explosive composition is

the feature which brings the other safety considerations into play and these we believe collectors

need to bear in mind.

When looking at provisions for safe storage in MSER, there are a number of considerations that

need to be addressed –

(a) Where articles are stored in the same store, the total net explosive mass of all explosives

in that store will be considered to be equal to the highest HT. For example if you add to a

store of 15 kg of small arms ammunition, [HT4 not requiring separation up to 250 kg nem] a

small arms cartridge with 2 grams of high explosive [HT1-2 separation distance required from

100 grams NEM], the store is considered to contain 15.002 kg of HT1. This can result in a

separation distance requirement of considerable distance.

(b) As collectors use buildings such as houses etc, if they are keeping combined HT cartridges in

one place such as mentioned above, they are likely to be in breach of requirement to provide

separation distance between store and occupied premises [Regulation 5] and possibly the duty

to protect persons from fire and explosion [Regulation 4] dependant upon the HT allocated to the

cartridges.

(c) The collector is the duty holder under the regulations and despite what the condition on a

firearms certificate states that person may possess, is responsible for compliance with the

storage requirements.

(d) The variance in propellant content within ammunition and any additional factors such as other

pyrotechnic or explosive material possessed at the place of storage needs to reflect either the

NEM being mapped by the collector or the collection is calculated so that where a number of

rounds or types are in a collection, the quantity applied by the Firearms Certificate can accord

with the limit that can be authorised without breaching MSER limits.

•

The need to hold either a licence or registration under the regulations where the collection

exceeds the limit of that defined as small arms, or the ammunition being collected is of other

types.

Where collections are being gathered under a firearm certificate, unless that collection consists

only of ammunition that may be kept under Regulation 10(2)(b) of MSER, there is likely to be need

for that storage to be within the licensed or registered provisions of MSER

As Chief Officers of Police are regulators of both the Firearms and Explosives legislation that bears

upon collectors, there is a need to be transparent and inclusive in the approach to the collector and

their application for a firearms certificate. It is necessary to have a process that allows appropriate

advice to be given when the applicant is considering their collection to ensure both at the outset and

as the collection develops, that due attention is being brought to bear on the aspects identified.

As a means to address these issues it would seem logical that in the situation where collections are

being considered –

(a) The initial enquiry includes exchange of information between the enquiring officer and the

applicant to try to establish the extent to which the collection is to develop that can allow the Firearms

certificate to then be conditioned accordingly.

(b) The certificate when issued is accompanied by a letter/note, which gives information regarding the

possession and keeping of ammunition that may have requirements under MSER.

(c) That where the enquiry or through subsequent notification it is established that that the collection

either exceeds the unlicensed limits or is to contain ammunition subject to the licensing provisions of

MSER

• that application for the appropriate registration or licence is submitted. (Collections

containing ammunition that is not subject to an explosive certificate will require to be licensed/

registered by the appropriate Local Authority)

•

that the requirements in regard to storage under MSER have been arranged and are being

observed.

Under these regulations, any ammunition regulated or prohibited by the firearms acts is not the

subject of an explosive certificate to either acquire or keep. If however the collection includes those

live components of ammunition such as fuses, filled shell heads etc, which are, as components of

ammunition not regulated by the firearms acts and therefore outwith the provision of the exception,

then an explosive certificate will be required.

Home Office Guidance for Section 5(1A)(b) says that free fall bombs are not regarded as ammunition

for the purposes of the Act and as a consequence, the items are subject to the requirement to have

an explosive certificate in relation to any such articles. They can also not benefit from being able

to be acquired under the collection condition of a firearms certificate. Under the UN classification

system the term “bomb” refers to explosive articles dropped from aircraft.

Where a licence or registration under MSER and explosive certificate under COER are required for

the collector, then the two are subject to the appropriate fee(s)

Where ammunition or those components of explosive, incendiary or pyrotechnic type that attracts a

need to be licensed or registered, that brings into consideration their secure storage when included

in a collection. There is need to ensure that the security criteria for such items is seen as fulfilling

both that which would be expected by the Firearms legislation and the duty under Section 23. This

balance is important to provide consistency on the application of appropriate secure and safe storage

and to prevent a dual view of the same item when considering for either set of legislative requirement.

The outcome of the recommendations on secure storage needs to have an adequate and proportional

application to the collected items that takes account of not just the volume but also the practicalities

of what the security entails. It is seen that a ‘one size fits all’ may not be suited to collectables in this

field. A look into those items that are formed into collections may best inform views on what will be

appropriate in each case.

For information a list of Explosives classification under the UN system, edited to items of ammunition

and components is at Appendix B

Anthony J Slate AIExpE

Martyn Kaye MIExpE, AISEE

for ACPO FELWG – Explosive issues

Issue 1 - March, 2013

Appendix A

Under the UN classification explosives are classified as packaged and this transposed in the main to

MSER Hazard Types (HT). The table below sets out considerations that need to be addressed when

looking at ammunition collections. The types listed are not all encompassing.

Type of ammunition

Expected

Hazard

Type

Separation Distance

applies from

MSER licence

or registration

Ammunition with inert

projectiles fitting small

arms criteria in MSER

and

the quantity is within

the limits in 10(2)(b) or

Exception Order 1-2012

Ammunition with inert

projectiles fitting small

arms criteria in MSER

and

the quantity is more than

the limits in 10(2)(b) or

Exception Order 1-2012

Ammunition with

incendiary projectiles in

small arms calibres

Ammunition with

explosive projectiles in

small arms calibre

Ammunition with

incendiary projectiles, not

small arms

Ammunition with

explosive projectiles, not

small arms

Ammunition, explosive

shell heads

Ammunition components

containing explosives, e.g.

artillery fuses

Grenades, rockets,

missiles and other bombs

that are ammunition

for the purposes of the

Firearms Act

HT 4

250 kg NEM

No

HT 4

250 kg NEM

Yes

HT3

25 kg NEM

Yes

HT1 - HT2

HT2 to HT3

HT1 - HT2

HT1

HT1 to HT3

100 grams NEM

100 grams – 25 Kgs

NEM

100 grams NEM

100 grams NEM

100 grams (HT1 & 2) –

25 Kgs (HT3) NEM

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Ht1 to HT3`

100 grams (HT1 & 2) –

25 Kgs (HT3) NEM

Yes

Appendix B

UN LIST – Items which are, or can be representative of ammunition components

UN Numbers and descriptions (Items in italics are Schedule 1 or otherwise exempt explosive

certificate). The Firearms Act does not include within the meaning of ammunition generally any

of the components required to make the ammunition, save in the case of certain items contained

in Section 5 of the 1968 Firearms Act, as amended. There is by this, no authority to possess

such components by virtue of having a Firearms Certificate conditioned to allow the collecting of

ammunition. Possession of any explosive component outwith the Firearms Act is subject to any

appropriate requirements in Explosives legislation.

In relation to the term ‘Bomb’ the UN system uses that term only for articles that are released from

aircraft and the term ammunition defined under the Firearms Acts does not include free fall bombs

[Home office Guidance to Police]. The UN references to Bombs have therefore been omitted from

the list as they appear to be not within the requirements for ammunition regulated or prohibited by the

Firearms Act.

The UN Hazard Division (HD) / MSER Hazard Type (HT), is assigned and applicable when the

explosive is in its authorised package. Please note the below list does not include any ammunition –

•

that has been classified under the various N.O.S designations, that is those articles that are

found in UN 0349 to 0356 and 0462 to 0472. – That is due to the large array of explosive that are

contained under these ‘Not Otherwise Specified’ classifications.

•

that is classified under “Articles, pyrotechnic, for technical purposes” found in UN0428 to 0432.

This is due to the variety of articles that can fall under this classification.

that is for military purposes and has been classified by the Explosives Storage & Transport

Committee, MoD (ESTC) and may not have an immediate UN equivalent. Martyn Kay is FELWG

single point of contact with MoD CI Exp compliance for queries regarding articles with ESTC

classification.

•

UN

No

0005

0006

0007

0009

0010

0012

0014

0015

0016

0018

0019

0020

0021

0044

0049

0050

0054

0055

0056

0073

0092

0093

Generic description

Cartridges for weapons, with bursting charge

Cartridges for weapons, with bursting charge

Cartridges for weapons, with bursting charge

Ammunition, Incendiary, with or without burster, expelling charge or propelling charge

Ammunition, Incendiary, with or without burster, expelling charge or propelling charge

Cartridges for weapons, Inert projectile or cartridges, small arms

Cartridges for weapons, blank or cartridges, small arms, blank

Ammunition, Smoke, with or without burster, expelling charge or propelling charge

Ammunition, Smoke, with or without burster, expelling charge or propelling charge

Ammunition, Tear-producing with burster, expelling charge or propelling charge

Ammunition, Tear-producing with burster, expelling charge or propelling charge

Ammunition, Toxic with burster, expelling charge or propelling charge

Ammunition, Toxic with burster, expelling charge or propelling charge

Primers, cap type

Cartridges, flash

Cartridges, flash

Cartridges, signal

Cases, Cartridge, empty, with primer

Charges, depth

Detonators for ammunition

Flares, Surface

Flares, aerial

HD / HT

1.1F / 1

1.1E / 1

1.2F / 2

1.2G / 2

1.3G / 3

1.4S / 4

1.4S / 4

1.2G / 2

1.3G / 3

1.2G / 2

1.3G / 3

1.2K / 2 *

1.3K / 3 *

1.4S / 4

1.1G / 1

1.3G / 3

1.3G / 3

1.4S / 4

1.1D / 1

1.1B / 1

1.3G / 3

1.3G / 3

0101

0105

0106

0107

0110

0136

0137

0138

0160

0161

0167

0168

0169

0171

0180

0181

0182

0183

0196

0197

0212

0221

0238

0240

0242

0243

Fuse, Instantaneous, Non-detonating (Quickmatch)

Fuse, Safety

Fuzes, Detonating

Fuzes, Detonating

Grenades, Practice, hand or rifle

Mines with bursting charge

Mines with bursting charge

Mines with bursting charge

Powder, smokeless

Powder, smokeless

Projectiles, with bursting charge

Projectiles, with bursting charge

Projectiles, with bursting charge

Ammunition, Illuminating, with or without burster, expelling charge or propelling charge

Rockets, with bursting charge

Rockets, with bursting charge

Rockets, with bursting charge

Rockets with inert head

Signals, smoke

Signals, smoke

Tracers for ammunition

Warheads, Torpedo, with bursting charge

Rockets, line-throwing

Rockets, line-throwing

Charges, propelling, for cannon

Ammunition, Incendiary, White phosphorous with burster, expelling charge or

propelling charge

Ammunition, Incendiary, White phosphorous with burster, expelling charge or

propelling charge

Ammunition, Smoke, White phosphorous with burster, expelling charge or propelling

charge

Ammunition, Smoke, White phosphorous with burster, expelling charge or propelling

charge

Ammunition, Incendiary, liquid or gel, with burster, expelling charge or propelling

charge

Ammunition, Illuminating with or without burster, expelling charge or propelling charge

Charges, propelling

Charges, propelling

Charges, Propelling, for cannon

Rocket Motors

Rocket Motors

Grenades, hand or rifle, with bursting charge

Grenades, hand or rifle, with bursting charge

Warheads, Rocket, with bursting charge

Warheads, Rocket, with bursting charge

Bombs, with bursting charge

Grenades, hand or rifle, with bursting charge

Grenades, hand or rifle, with bursting charge

Mines, with bursting charge

Rockets, with bursting charge

0244

0245

0246

0247

0254

0271

0272

0279

0280

0281

0284

0285

0286

0287

0291

0292

0293

0294

0295

1.3G / 1

1.4S / 4

1.1B / 1

1.2B / 2

1.4S / 4

1.1F / 1

1.1D / 1

1.2D / 2

1.1C / 1

1.3C / 3

1.1F / 1

1.1D / 1

1.2D / 2

1.2G / 2

1.1F / 1

1.1E / 1

1.2E / 1

1.3C / 3

1.1G / 3

1.4G / 4

1.3G / 3

1.1D / 1

1.2G / 2

1.3G / 3

1.3C / 3

1.2H / 2

1.3H / 3

1.2H / 2

1.3H / 3

1.3J / 3

1.3G / 3

1.1C / 1

1.3C / 3

1.1C / 1

1.1C / 1

1.1C / 1

1.1D / 1

1.2D / 2

1.1D / 1

1.2D / 2

1.2F / 2

1.1F / 1

1.2F / 2

1.2F / 2

1.2F / 2

0297

0299

0300

0301

Ammunition, Illuminating, with or without burster, expelling charge or propelling charge

Bombs, photo-flash

Ammunition, Incendiary, with or without burster, expelling charge or propelling charge

Ammunition, tear-producing, with or without burster, expelling charge or propelling

charge

Ammunition, Smoke, with or without burster, expelling charge or propelling charge

Tracers for ammunition

Cartridges, signal

Grenades, practice, hand or rifle

Primers, tubular

Primers, tubular

Cartridges for weapons, with bursting charge

Projectiles, with bursting charge

Cartridges for weapons, blank

Cartridges for weapons, blank or Cartridges, Small arms, blank

Cartridges for weapons, inert projectile

0303

0306

0312

0318

0319

0320

0321

0324

0326

0327

0328

0329

0330

0338

0339

0344

0345

0346

0347

0348

0362

0363

0364

0365

0366

0367

0368

0369

0370

0371

0372

0376

0377

0378

0379

0395

0396

0397

0398

0399

0400

0403

0404

0405

Torpedoes with bursting charge

Torpedoes with bursting charge

Cartridges for weapons, blank or Cartridges, Small arms, blank

Cartridges for weapons, inert projectile or Cartridges, Small arms

Projectiles, with bursting charge

Projectiles, Inert, with tracer

Projectiles with burster or expelling charge

Projectiles with burster or expelling charge

Cartridges for weapons, with bursting charge

Ammunition, Practice

Ammunition, Proof

Detonators for ammunition

Detonators for ammunition

Detonators for ammunition

Fuzes, Detonating

Fuzes, igniting

Warheads, Rocket, with bursting charge

Warheads, Rocket, with burster or expelling charge

Warheads, Rocket, with burster or expelling charge

Grenades, Practice, hand or rifle

Primers, Tubular

Primers, Cap type

Primers, Cap type

Cases, Cartridge, empty, with primer

Rocket motors, liquid fuelled

Rocket motors, liquid fuelled

Rockets, liquid fuelled, with bursting charge

Rockets, liquid fuelled, with bursting charge

Bombs with flammable liquid, with bursting charge

Bombs with flammable liquid, with bursting charge

Flares, aerial

Flares, aerial

Cartridges, signal

1.4G / 4

1.3G / 3

1.4G / 4

1.4G / 4

1.4G / 4

1.4G / 1

1.4G / 4

1.3G / 1

1.3G / 3

1.4G / 4

1.2E / 2

1.2F / 2

1.1C / 1

1.3C / 3

1.2C / 2

1.1E / 1

1.1F / 1

1.4C / 4

1.4C / 4

1.4D / 4

1.4S / 4

1.2D / 2

1.4D / 4

1.4F / 4

1.4G / 4

1.4G / 4

1.2B / 2

1.4B / 4

1.4S / 4

1.4S / 4

1.4S / 4

1.1F / 1

1.4D / 4

1.4F / 4

1.2G / 2

1.4S / 4

1.1B / 1

1.4B / 4

1.4C / 4

1.2J / 2

1.3J / 3

1.1J / 1

1.2J / 2

1.1J / 1

1.2J / 2

1.4G / 4

1.4S / 4

1.4S / 4

0408

0409

0410

0412

0413

0414

0415

0417

0424

0425

0426

0427

0434

0435

0436

0437

0438

0446

0447

0449

0450

0451

0452

0453

0488

0491

0498

0499

0501

0502

Fuzes, detonating with protective features

Fuzes, detonating with protective features

Fuzes, detonating with protective features

Cartridges for weapons, with bursting charge

Cartridges for weapons, blank

Charges, propelling, for cannon

Charges, propelling

Cartridges for weapons, inert projectile, or cartridges, small arms

Projectiles, inert with tracer

Projectiles, inert with tracer

Projectiles, with burster or expelling charge

Projectiles, with burster or expelling charge

Projectiles, with burster or expelling charge

Projectiles, with burster or expelling charge

Rockets, with expelling charge

Rockets, with expelling charge

Rockets, with expelling charge

Cases, combustible, empty, without primer

Cases, combustible, empty, without primer

Torpedoes, liquid fuelled, with or without bursting charge

Torpedoes, liquid fuelled, with inert head

Torpedoes, with bursting charge

Grenades, practice, hand or rifle

Rockets, line-throwing

Ammunition, practice

Charges, propelling

Propellant, solid

Propellant, solid

Propellant, solid

Rocket, with inert head

In relation to the Hazard Divisions (HD) quoted for the above explosives, certain comparability groups attached

to the articles are worth noting for their associated characteristics –

E

Article containing a secondary detonating explosive substance, without means of initiation and with a

propelling charge (other than a charge containing a flammable or hypergolic liquid)

Article containing a secondary detonating explosive substance, with means of initiation, and either

with a propelling charge (other than a charge containing a flammable or hypergolic liquid) or without a

propelling charge

A substance which is an explosive substance because it is designed to produce an effect by heat,

light, sound, gas or smoke or a combination of these as a result of not-detonative self-sustaining

exothermic chemical reactions or an article containing such a substance or an article containing both

a substance which is explosive because it is capable by chemical reaction in itself of producing gas at

such a temperature and pressure and at such a speed as could cause damage to surroundings and

an illuminating, incendiary, lachrymatory or smoke-producing substance (other than a water-activated

article or one containing white phosphorus, phosphide or a flammable liquid or gel)

Article containing both an explosive substance and white phosphorus

Article containing both an explosive substance and a flammable liquid or gel

Article containing both an explosive substance and a toxic chemical agent - * Carriage is prohibited

F

1.1D / 1

1.2D / 1

1.4D / 4

1.4E / 4

1.2C / 2

1.2C / 2

1.2C / 2

1.3C / 3

1.3G / 3

1.4G / 4

1.2F / 2

1.4F / 4

1.2G / 2

1.4G / 4

1.2C / 2

1.3C / 3

1.4C / 4

1.4C / 4

1.3C / 3

1.1J / 1

1.3J / 3

1.1D / 1

1.4G / 4

1.4G / 4

1.3G / 3

1.4C / 4

1.1C / 1

1.3C / 3

1.4C / 4

1.2C / 2

G

H

J

K

Primary source: UN Carriage of Dangerous Goods