1 Overview
You must apply for a licence to store up to 2,000kg (net explosives content) of fireworks or explosives at a premises.
The licence allows you to store explosives all year, however the sale of fireworks is restricted to the following periods:
- 15 October-10 November
- 26 December-31 December
- on the 1st day of the Chinese New Year and the 3 days immediately preceding it
- on the day of Diwali and the 3 days immediately preceding it.
If you wish to sell fireworks at other times contact us for advice as you may need an additional licence.
If you are storing more than 2,000kg (net explosives content), you will need to apply for a licence from the Health & Safety Executive.
If you are selling fireworks all year round, you will need to apply for an additional selling licence at £500. Phone Trading Standards on 01243 642124 to arrange this licence.
2 Apply for or renew a licence
Apply online
Apply for or renew your fireworks and explosives licence (external link)Apply by post
Print, complete and return the application below. The following document is intended for printing and may not be suitable for users with assistive technologies.
Application for a Storage Licence (PDF, 300KB)3 Fees
Licence fees vary depending on the quantity of explosives you wish to store and the length of time the licence is issued for. Lower fees also apply for the renewal of existing licences.
Details of all relevant fees can be found in the Health and Safety and Nuclear (Fees) Regulations 2022 (Schedule 7, Part 2).
These fees are subject to the additional cost increases which can be found in the Health and Safety and Nuclear (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (SCHEDULE Changes to amounts of fees payable under the Health and Safety and Nuclear (Fees) Regulations 2022).