Explosives (Fireworks)

fireworks in colourful boxes, ready for sale

To sell fireworks you must apply for a licence from us

An explosives licence is usually granted for storage up to 250kg Net Explosive Content of HT4 (1.4G) fireworks, subject to an inspection for the suitability of your intended storage. Storage of fireworks on a licence must be in compliance with the conditions set out in the licence. Storage of fireworks on a licence must be in compliance with the conditions set out in the licence.

Read the Fireworks Regulations 2004

Explosives must stored to ensure that the relevant separation distance is maintained. Licences are determined according to the distance to storage. Find out more about distances on the Health and Safety Executive website - Guidance about explosives separation distances

Before you apply, you'll need to gather details on:

  • the type and quantity (in kgs.) of each type of explosive you'll be storing.
  • existing licence details. Please include expiry date and reference number if renewing your license.
  • the full address of anywhere that will be used to store explosives.
  • an accepted method of payment. We currently accept payment by BACS, cheques or card payment by telephone.

We will carry out a range of checks to ensure that you are a ‘suitable’ person to hold a licence. We will check with:

  • The National Anti-fraud Network
  • Health and Safety Executive prosecution database
  • Local police prosecution information

Explosives licence fees and charges

The following fees and charges are for the financial year 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.

Fees are set by The Health and Safety and Nuclear (Fees) Regulations 2021 and are subject to review.

  • fireworks licence with no separation distance: £119
  • renewal of licence with no separation distance: £59* 
  • firework licence with separation distance greater than zero: £202
  • renewal of licence with separation distance greater than zero: £94*
  • For licences for up to 5 years, email us for relevant fees

* A renewal can only be issued where the periods covered are continuous.

Permitted Firework sales periods for key festivals

On an Explosives Regulations 2014 Licence, fireworks can only be sold on the following days:

On the first day of the Chinese New Year and the three days immediately preceding it

On the day of Diwali and the three days immediately preceding it

During the period beginning on 15 October and ending on 10 November

During the period beginning on 26 December and ending on 31 December

Selling fireworks any other time of the year 

If you wish to sell fireworks at any other time of the year, you will need to purchase an additional licence.

  • all year sales licence: £500

For more information please email us.

Further Information

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