selling fireworks and storing them

Notes to retailers wishing to sell fireworks in the UK, these are some of the government requirements: (check with the DTI to see if there have been any amendments)

Storage of Fireworks

The law requires that you store and display your fireworks safely. In order to store fireworks, you must register or licence your premises with your local authority.

For the Sale of Fireworks:

You do not need an additional licence to sell fireworks during the following dates:

- On the first day of 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 the 15th October and ending on the 10th November

- During the period beginning on the 26th December and ending on the 31st December

Retailers wishing to sell fireworks outside these dates must obtain a licence from their local authority. This will be in addition to the storage licence.

Persons under the age of 18 must not be supplied with fireworks - even if they appear to be older (it is recommended that proof of age is sought).

A large notice reminding customers about the law with regard to underage sales and possession must be displayed click here to download DTI version.

All products must comply with British Safety Standards (BS7114: Part 2: 1988) (as Amended) Regulations and the 2003 and 2004 Fireworks (as Amended) Regulations may be sold to the public.

All fireworks not intended for supply to the general public (category 4) must indicate this by way of a mark.

You must record the name and address of any person who buys a quantity of fireworks containing more than 50kg net explosive content (200kg Gross weight).

You must not sell caps, cracker snaps, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents and throwdowns to anyone who is under 16.

Boxes of fireworks must not be split and sold separately.

Sparklers are fireworks and should be stored and sold as above.

A no smoking policy should be enforced anywhere fireworks are being stored or sold.

Retailers not compling with these rules could be fined £5,000 or mprisoned for 6 months.

For more info from the DTI on fireworks safety

And from HSE storing and selling firworks safely

Hide All | Show All