Fireworks licence

What is a Fireworks Licence?

Under the explosive regulations, a valid fireworks licence is needed to buy, possess and use certain types of fireworks.

We make getting your fireworks licence a simple, stress-free process ✅

When can I sell fireworks?

You are allowed to store fireworks all year round but can only sell fireworks at the following specified periods of the year:

In order to obtain a Firework Licence, you will need to know:

✅ from 15 October - 10 November inclusive

✅ on the day of Diwali and the 3 days before

✅ on the first day of the Chinese New Year and the 3 days before

✅ from 26 - 31 December inclusive

If you are selling fireworks outside the following permitted periods of sale you will need an additional licence under The Fireworks Regulations 2004.

How to apply for a Fireworks Licence

Fireworks Licences must be made via your local council. You can find the contact details for your local council at the Official UK Government Website.

In order to obtain a Firework Licence, you will need to know:

✅ the types of explosive

✅ the total amount of explosive being kept

✅ whether your storage arrangements satisfy any separation distances required to be maintained

Penalties and fines

If you store fireworks and you are not registered or licensed, you could be fined up to £5,000 or given a prison sentence of up to six months.

Firework safety code

If you are thinking of using fireworks as part of a celebration, you should follow these safety steps:

only buy fireworks marked with a CE mark – this shows that the firework meets European safety standards which all fireworks must meet - a reputable shop will know this.

don’t drink alcohol if you’re setting off fireworks.

store fireworks in a closed, metal box and take out one at a time.

keep a bucket of water nearby.

follow the instructions on each firework – read by torchlight, don't use a naked flame.

light fireworks at arm’s length, using the taper provided.

make sure everyone stands well back.

don't go back to a firework that is lit - even if it hasn’t gone off it could still explode.

don't put fireworks in your pocket.

don't throw fireworks.

always supervise children around fireworks, don't give sparklers to a child under five.

light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.

keep pets indoors.

don’t set off fireworks late at night.

take care around open flames such as bonfires and barbecues - all clothes, even those labelled ‘low flammability’, can catch fire.