Explosives licence: Licence to sell fireworks

All traders who intend to store mixed explosives must be registered yearly (including car dealers/garages that deal with airbags).

Shops require a licence from us to store fireworks for sale, or they risk a fine or prison sentence.

• Explosives registration/storage licence application form (Word file)
• Explosives information sheet (Word file)
• Storing and selling fireworks safely (PDF)
• Fee list 2025 (PDF)

The Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations (MSER) came into force on 26 April 2005 and largely replaced the 1875 Explosives Act. This means you must register if you store or sell explosives at your premises.

A trading standards officer will visit your premises on one or more occasions to make sure you are complying with the regulations. Failure to register can lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £5,000.

To get a licence, you must complete an explosives registration or storage licence application.

If you supply or sell fireworks, it is essential to be aware of your responsibilities and the current legislation.

Businesses must register or apply for a licence from us to be allowed to store fireworks for sale. If they aren't registered or licensed, retailers could be fined up to £5,000 or sentenced to up to six months in prison.

It is illegal for retailers to sell caps, cracker snaps, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents and throwdowns to anyone under 16, and to sell other fireworks to anyone under 18.

Retailers must only sell fireworks that conform to British Safety Standards and meet certain noise conditions. They must have BS 7114 printed on the box.

Unless they have a special all-year fireworks licence, suppliers must only sell fireworks during the weeks leading up to Bonfire Night, New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year.

Please contact the Licensing team to enquire about obtaining an all-year fireworks licence.