Last updated: 8.07.2025
Conducting business activities involving the acquisition, storage, use or manufacture of explosives for civil use in Poland (e.g. in mining, construction or geology) requires obtaining an appropriate permit. This obligation stems from the Act of June 21, 2002, on explosives for civil use (Journal of Laws of 2023, item 1608, hereinafter referred to as the “Act”).
When is a permit for civilian explosives required in Poland?
Pursuant to Article 10 of the Act, a permit is required in the case of the intention to:
- acquire, store or use explosives for civil use, or
- manufacture explosives in situ, i.e. at the place of use.
A permit is not required only if the entrepreneur holds a license to manufacture or trade in explosives and its activities and personnel meet the specific conditions set out in Article 11(1) of the Act.
Authorities responsible for explosives permits in Poland
The competent authority is:
- the provincial governor – for most economic activities;
- the director of the district mining office – if the activity involves geological works, mineral extraction or blasting works in mining plants.
What conditions must be met to obtain a permit for explosive materials in Poland?
In Poland, a permit may be granted if the entrepreneur meets a comprehensive set of conditions, including:
- not being listed in the register of insolvent debtors,
- no criminal record for intentional or fiscal offenses,
- full legal capacity and no mental disorders,
- employment of workers who meet the requirements for access to explosives.
In the case of entrepreneurs who are not natural persons, these requirements apply accordingly to members of management bodies and proxies.
Documentation required for civilian explosives permits in Poland
The application for a permit must include, among other things:
- specification of the type and quantity of explosives,
- detailed description of the location and storage conditions,
- identification data of the entrepreneur and his representatives,
- an opinion confirming compliance with technical and organizational conditions,
- medical and psychological certificates,
- certificates from Sanepid, PSP and WIOŚ – unless storage takes place exclusively in underground storage facilities.
Appropriate statements (e.g. on no criminal record) and confirmation of payment of stamp duty (currently PLN 82).
Civilian explosives in Poland: Permit duration and decision process
The permit is issued in the form of an administrative decision for an indefinite period.
Importantly, its scope may be limited, e.g. to the acquisition and use of materials without the right to store them if the entrepreneur does not have the appropriate facilities.
The authority in Poland may refuse to grant a permit, inter alia, in the event of:
- a threat to national defense, security or the environment,
- failure to meet statutory requirements,
- bankruptcy or liquidation proceedings.
Other institutions, including the police, the State Fire Service, the Sanitary and Epidemiological Station and the Provincial Inspectorate for Environmental Protection, are also notified of any positive or negative decisions.
What foreign investors should know about explosives permits in Poland?
For foreign entities and investors planning to operate in high-risk industries (mining, geotechnics, infrastructure construction), holding a valid permit is a prerequisite for legal operation in Poland. The process of obtaining it is formalized, and complete documentation and knowledge of administrative requirements allow for a significant reduction in waiting times.
In the case of large-scale or cross-border projects, the permit is also proof of compliance with national and EU safety standards, which may be crucial in tenders or cooperation with public institutions.
