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:

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:

• Certified handlers
• Find a compliance certifier(external link)

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.

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

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.

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:

^{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:

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