Licence for the storage and sale of fireworks

You may be affected by changes to the Explosive Regulations which changed in October 2014 - as part of these changes, the previous registration system is no longer in place.

Do I need a licence?

If you are looking to store more than 5kg and less than 2000kg net weight of fireworks, you will need to apply for a licence from us. 

In addition, you will need to apply for an annual licence if you sell fireworks all year round.

What must I do if I store and sell fireworks?

If you store fireworks for sale, it is your legal duty to:

• prevent a fire or explosion
• limit the possible extent of a fire or explosion including measures to prevent the spreading of fires and explosions from one location to another
• protect people from the effects of a fire or explosion

When can I sell fireworks?

The Fireworks Act 2003 and Fireworks Regulations 2004 state that you need a separate annual licence if you want to sell fireworks all year round. To apply for a licence complete an Application for licence to sell fireworks outside of the regulation periods (PDF) [208KB]  

If you are looking to apply for a licence to store and sell fireworks, you can only sell fireworks during the following periods unless you have a licence to sell all year:

• on the first day of the Chinese New Year and the three days immediately before it
• on the day of Diwali and the three days immediately before it
• during the period 15 October to 10 November
• during the period 26 December to 31 December

Applying for a storage licence

The storage of fireworks is now regulated by the Explosives Regulations 2014. To store fireworks at any time, you must apply for one the following licences depending on the amount you store:

• 5kg to 250kg storage licence - the exact amount you will be allowed to store will be set by the inspecting explosives officer. 
• 250kg to 2000kg storage licence - allows for the bulk storage of fireworks in authorised places following approval by the inspecting explosives officer. You must also show understanding of the guidance given in the 2014 regulations relating to separation distances of fireworks from other potential risks.

Both licences will be subject to limits of The Net Explosive Content (NEC) as set by the inspecting licensing officer. You will also need to provide the following;

• A risk assessment for the storage of explosives.
• Site location plans and details of the storage, showing the separation distances from other risks.
• Proof of authorisation from your landlord (if applicable) that explosives may be stored at the site.

Please note that you should also have insurance to cover the storage of explosives. You must also have a separate licence for every premise where you wish to store explosives or show fireworks for sale.

How do I apply?

The approval of a licence to store or sell fireworks is not tacit (not automatic just because you have applied for one). It will greatly depend upon the approval of the explosives inspector who will contact you in due course.

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