Last updated: 5 July 2023

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

If you supply or sell fireworks, you should be aware of your responsibilities and current legislation.

Shops have to 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 licence, suppliers must only sell fireworks during the weeks leading up to Bonfire Night, New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year.

Contact

Licensing Section

Town Hall
Fellowship Square
Forest Road
Walthamstow, E17 4JF

Help with completing online forms

For those without computers, you can use a self-service PC in any Waltham Forest Library

Staff there can help you to log in and create a MyAccount.