Small Arms Cartridges, also known as ammunition, are an assembly of primers, propellant powders, metal casings and bullets used to fire a projectile from firearms. (Type C.1)

Acquisition

The acquisition, storage and sale of propellants and ammunition require a dwelling, a storage unit or an explosives licence depending on the quantity and type of explosives being handled. Any person handling explosives must be at least 18 years of age or older unless otherwise exempted by the Explosives Act and Regulations.

Storage for Use

Dwelling

A person may acquire and store up to 225 kilograms net explosives quantity of ammunition for use in a dwelling.

When small arms cartridges are stored in a dwelling:

they must be stored away from flammable substances and sources of ignition. People not authorized by the retailer must not be given unlimited access to the cartridges.

Storage Unit

A person may acquire and store up to 225 kilograms net explosives quantity of ammunition for use in a storage unit.

When small arms cartridges are stored in a storage unit:

the storage unit must be located in a dry place, away from flammable substances and sources of ignition; the storage unit must be constructed and maintained to prevent unauthorized access and to protect the contents from weather; if the storage unit is a container, it must not impede exit in case of fire; if the storage unit is not a container, all exits must be kept unobstructed; any shelving in the storage unit must be made from a non-sparking material (for example, wood or painted metal); nothing other than propellant powder and percussion caps may be stored with the small arms cartridges; small arms cartridges, propellant powder and percussion caps must be stored separately from one another (for example, on different shelves or separated by a wooden barrier); the storage unit must be attended when it is unlocked; the storage unit must be kept clean, dry, organized and free of grit; any spill, leakage or other contamination in the storage unit must be cleaned up immediately; precautions that minimize the likelihood of fire in or near the storage unit must be taken; and a sign that displays the words “Danger — Fire Hazard/Risque d’incendie” in letters at least 10 cm high and that prohibits smoking using letters, or a symbol, at least 10 cm high must be posted on the storage unit in a clearly visible location.

Explosives Licence

A person may acquire and store greater than 225 kilograms net explosives quantity of ammunition for use in a magazine if they hold an explosives licence.

Storage for Sale

Dwelling

A person may acquire and store up to 225 kilograms net explosives quantity of ammunition for sale in a dwelling.

When small arms cartridges are stored in a dwelling:

they must be stored away from flammable substances and sources of ignition. People not authorized by the retailer must not be given unlimited access to the cartridges.

Storage Unit

A person may acquire and store up to 225 kilograms net explosives quantity of ammunition for sale in a storage unit.

When small arms cartridges are stored in a storage unit:

the storage unit must be located in a dry place, away from flammable substances and sources of ignition; the storage unit must be constructed and maintained to prevent unauthorized access and to protect the contents from weather; if the storage unit is a container, it must not impede exit in case of fire; if the storage unit is not a container, all exits must be kept unobstructed; any shelving in the storage unit must be made from a non-sparking material (for example, wood or painted metal); nothing other than propellant powder and percussion caps may be stored with the small arms cartridges; small arms cartridges, propellant powder and percussion caps must be stored separately from one another (for example, on different shelves or separated by a wooden barrier); the storage unit must be attended when it is unlocked; the storage unit must be kept clean, dry, organized and free of grit; any spill, leakage or other contamination in the storage unit must be cleaned up immediately; precautions that minimize the likelihood of fire in or near the storage unit must be taken; and a sign that displays the words “Danger — Fire Hazard/Risque d’incendie” in letters at least 10 cm high and that prohibits smoking using letters, or a symbol, at least 10 cm high must be posted on the storage unit in a clearly visible location.

Explosives Licence

A person may acquire and store greater than 225 kilograms net explosives quantity of ammunition for sale in a magazine if they hold an explosives licence.