High Power Rocketry Regulations in Canada
In any regulatory discussion regarding model or high power rocket
motors, the term explosive is commonly used. It is important to
understand that “explosive” encompasses more than the
high explosives such as those used for blasting or in munitions
– those are detonating materials. Explosion and detonation
are two entirely different things, but unfortunately the terms are
often confused. An explosive material or composition is merely something
that can release chemical potential energy in the form of gases
that can cause explosions to occur. Rocket propellants are an example
of such a composition, as are other propellants such as gunpowder.
Propellants undergo a chemical reaction called deflagration, resulting
in the rapid release of hot gases. Therefore in certain circumstances
they are capable of causing an explosion to occur. If a propellant
is sealed inside a casing capable of holding high pressure and then
ignited, the propellant will generate hot gas causing the internal
pressure of the casing to rise. When the pressure reaches the failure
point of the casing, it will rupture resulting in the sudden release
of gases at high velocity, which can cause explosive damage to persons
or property. High explosives do not require confinement to explode
In Canada we have two primary agencies governing high power rocketry:
· Natural Resources Canada – Explosives
Regulatory Division (ERD)
ERD administers and enforces the Explosives Act and Regulations,
the body of Federal law that regulates manufacture, use, purchase,
and storage of explosives. ERD tests new explosive materials to
determine if they are suitable for possession and use in Canada,
and assigns them appropriate classifications that determine how
they may be shipped and stored, and who may possess and use these
materials. ERD also issues permits for magazines and importation
· Transport Canada
Transport Canada administers and enforces the Transport of Dangerous
Goods Act and Regulations, the body of Federal Law that defines
how hazardous materials, including explosives, must be packaged,
marked, documented etc. for transport by road, rail, water or air
within Canada. Transport Canada also controls the airspace in which
aircraft and rockets operate. Without authorization from Transport
Canada, the launching of high power rockets is not permitted.
Who can purchase and use high power rocket motors in Canada?
ERD requires that purchasers of high power rocket motors for
sport (recreational, hobby) use must be certified
members of a recognized national rocketry association.
Associations overseeing high power rocketry that are recognized
currently by ERD are the Canadian Association of Rocketry (CAR),
the Tripoli Rocketry Association (TRA), and the National Association
of Rocketry (NAR). Each of these associations have similar safety
codes and rules of operation, and each has a certification program
through which members are required to demonstrate their knowledge
and competence in the sport, in order to progress to successive
levels of certification.
High power rocket motors will not be sold to any individual who
is not a certified member of one of these associations. Dealers
of these products are required to keep records of each sale, and
to check the credentials of anyone wishing to buy these products.
In addition, the Explosives Regulations allow anyone to refuse sale
of explosive materials to anyone, certified rocketry association
member or not, who they believe may be attempting to purchase these
products for any purpose other than that for which they are intended.
Please note that Cesaroni Technologies Incorporated does not make
any direct sales of rocket motors or any rocket products to individuals;
these sales are handled exclusively by our dealer network –
please check the dealers section for contact information.
High power rocket motors may also be purchased and used by companies
or government agencies for use in legitimate applications other
than sport rocketry, providing they otherwise satisfy all provisions
of Natural Resources Canada – Explosives Regulatory Division,
and Transport Canada.
Do I need a magazine or a license from ERD to store my
If you wish to sell high power rocket motors or any explosives,
you need a magazine and a license.
As a private individual storing motors you possess for your own
use, you are generally not required to have a magazine unless you
own over 125kg gross weight of product, which is unlikely. Storage
requirements depend on how much you have.
High power rocket motors and/or motor reloading kits are classified
as “high hazard fireworks” in Canada, Class 7, Division
2, Subdivision 5.
Up to 10 kg gross weight is simply required to be “stored
Paragraph 131 of the explosives Regulations states:
131. Subject to any provincial law or regulation or any municipal
person may, if he takes reasonable precautions against accidents,
keep in his
possession on his premises, for private use and not for sale,
(a) a quantity of Division 2 of Class 7 fireworks, not exceeding
gross weight, that were sold to him in accordance with these Regulations.
Over 10kg but up to 25kg gross weight requires a container for storage.
Paragraph 125 (1) (b) (i) states:
125. (1) Subject to subsection (2), the quantity of explosives
of Division 2 of
Class 7 (manufactured fireworks) and of Division 1 of Class 6 (ammunition)
a person may have in his possession if kept in any store or warehouse
(b) in a container
(i) 25 kilograms gross weight of Subdivisions 2 and 5 of Division
2 of Class 7
129. In this Part, "container" means a box or other suitable
(a) that may be placed inside a building that is not itself adapted
keeping of explosives; and
(b) that is kept in a part of the premises away from goods of an
nature. SOR/79-1, s. 6.
130. In regard to any container, the following provisions shall
(a) it shall be provided with a closely-fitting lid and shall be
closed and locked except when the container is required to be open
receipt or issue of explosives, or for other necessary purpose;
(b) it shall not be used for any other purpose than the keeping
fireworks of Division 2 of Class 7, or of explosive of Division
1 of Class 6
(c) the interior of the container shall be kept scrupulously clean;
(d) the container shall have the word "AMMUNITION" or
"FIREWORKS", as the case
may be, conspicuously displayed thereon on a contrasting background.
In other words, a plywood box, a toolbox, or other sturdy container
with a close fitting lid that has provisions for secure locking
should be suitable.
Over 25kg – please talk to your regional inspector from ERD.
Most consumers have nowhere near this amount in their possession
so details are not offered here.
NRCan ERD http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/explosif/over/over_e.htm
Transport Canada http://www.tc.gc.ca
The Canadian Association of Rocketry (CAR) http://www.canadianrocketry.org/
The Tripoli Rocketry Association (TRA) http://www.tripoli.org/
The National Association of rocketry (NAR) http://www.nar.org/