Federal explosives laws and regulations generally prohibit any person from transporting explosive materials interstate or intrastate unless the person has a federal explosives license or permit. Also, the transportation of stolen explosives materials is a federal crime (see our Q&A on federal crimes for more information).

However, the law exempts from regulation under 18 U.S.C. Chapter 40 and 27 CFR Part 555 aspects of the transportation of explosive materials via railroad, water, highway or air which are regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Department of Homeland Security, and agencies thereof and which pertain to safety and security.

[18 U.S.C. 842(a)(3), 842(h), 845(a)(1); 27 CFR 555.26, 555.28, 555.141(a)(1)]