You will require a controlled substance licence (CSL) to possess certain explosives, vertebrate toxic agents or fumigants.

For a list of substances that require a CSL, see:

PDF
Licensing requirements for Class 1 explosives (PDF 245 KB)
PDF
Vertebrate toxic agents requiring a controlled substance licence (PDF 60 KB)
PDF
Fumigants requiring a controlled substance licence (PDF 166 KB)

Am I eligible for a controlled substance licence?

To apply for a CSL, you must:

  • hold a current Certified Handler Compliance Certificate issued by a Compliance Certifier that covers the substances you need to possess.
  • be 17 years of age and over; and
  • require possession of the substance to carry out your work; and
  • be a fit and proper person to possess the substance concerned

Please refer to information on:

How can I apply for a controlled substance licence?

If the above requirements are met, you can apply for a CSL.  A Compliance Certifier can assist with the application process.

PDF
Application for a controlled substance licence (PDF 433 KB)
PDF
Fit and proper assessment form (PDF 241 KB)
PDF
Assessing fit and proper person status: Technical guide (PDF 212 KB)

The application and renewal process can take up to two months from receipt of a complete application and payment. It currently takes up to 20 days to perform Police vetting checks as a part of the application process.  Please bear this in mind when considering renewal timeframes.

Application fee

The application fee for a CSL can be found in Schedule 2 of the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017(external link)(external link). The compliance certifier will also charge for any assistance they provide, including for issuing the certified handler compliance certificate.

How can I renew my controlled substance licence?

A CSL is typically valid for five years or until the certified handler compliance certificate expires.  If you wish to renew your CSL you should start the process at least 2 months prior to your licence expiring. 

To renew your CSL, this requires:

  • a completed application form (the same as the one used for new applications above)
  • 2 x new/recent passport photographs (taken within the last 12 months)
  • current evidence that the substances are required for your work
  • proof of your current address
  • a current certified handler compliance certificate

A new fit and proper person check will be done.

The application fee to renew your CSL is the same as the fee for new CSL application (refer above).

How can I add a new substance to my existing controlled substance licence?

To add a new substance to your existing CSL, this requires:

  • a completed application form (the same as the one used for new applications above)
  • current evidence that the additional substances are required for your work
  • proof of your current address
  • a current certified handler compliance certificate for the new substance

A new fit and proper person check will be done.

The application fee to add a substance to your existing CSL is the same as the fee for new CSL application (refer above).

How can I apply to replace a lost or damaged controlled substance licence card?

To apply for a replacement CSL card, this requires:

  • a completed application form (see below)
  • proof of your current address
PDF
Application form – Replacement of a controlled substance licence (PDF 345 KB)

Controlled substance licence conditions

A controlled substance licence is subject to conditions, which WorkSafe will set when the CSL is granted.  These conditions will be referred to on the licence card.  Further information on the types of conditions WorkSafe may set can be found in the document below.

PDF
Standard conditions for a CSL (PDF 38 KB)

Possessing a controlled substance licence

Persons in possession of a controlled vertebrate toxic agent, fumigant or explosive are required to hold a current CSL. A CSL must always be sighted by a person selling or transferring controlled substances, and the transfer must be tracked.

Persons selling or transferring a controlled substance should check that the licence they sight has not expired or has not been suspended or cancelled.

There are some exceptions for those clearing 1080 off of tracks, for more information see our technical bulletin.

Controlled substance licence suspension and cancellation

A CSL can be suspended or cancelled if the person is no longer fit and proper or if they provided false or misleading information in their application for a CSL.

Refer to regulations 7.4 to 7.8 of the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017(external link).

The following licences have been suspended and/or cancelled by WorkSafe:

CSL number: Substance type: Date CSL suspended or cancelled: Action taken:
N/A N/A N/A N/A

Note: the above list does not include controlled substance licences that were previously cancelled but have since passed the licence expiry date.

Surrendered controlled substance licences

Persons may surrender their CSL because they are no longer using the substance or because they have upgraded their licence to add a new substance(s). When a CSL is upgraded, the original licence is returned to WorkSafe and a new licence is issued. 

The following licences have been surrendered to WorkSafe:

CSL number:

Substance type:

Date CSL surrendered:

Action taken (if any):

CSL005373

Explosives

24/10/2023

New CSL010839 issued 15/09/2023

CSL008324

Explosives

27/05/2021

New CSL010528 issued 20/04/2021

CSL008495

Explosives

12/10/2023

New CSL010833 issued 31/08/2023

CSL010378 Explosives 01/02/2023 New CSL010754 issued 13/01/2023

CSL010492

Explosives

2/05/2022

New CSL010661 issued 31/03/2022

CSL010608

Explosives

15/02/2022

New CSL010655 issued 31/01/2022

CSL010725

Explosives

28/09/2023

New CSL010767 issued 17/03/2023

CSL010793

Explosives

06/03/2024

New CSL010869 issued 18/01/2024

CSL011450

Fumigants

05/12/2023

New CSL012172 issued 23/11/2023

CSL011626

Fumigants

08/07/2022

New CSL011898 issued 21/06/2022

CSL011707

Fumigants

24/07/2022

New CSL011913 issued 08/07/2022

Note: the above list does not include controlled substance licences that were previously surrendered but have since passed the licence expiry date.