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Fireworks and explosives - FAQ

Is there any guidance on fireworks safety available?

The Fireworks Code gives general advice on how to safely use fireworks, and is available as a free leaflet. There is also a version designed for children.

Retailers may also wish to consult the BERR Retailers Guide to Selling Fireworks, or the HSE's Storing & Selling Fireworks Safely publication. Your fireworks supplier should also be able to give advice on specific types of fireworks.

What are the age limits for buying fireworks?

Fireworks and sparklers must not be sold to anyone under 18 years of age.

Caps, cracker snaps, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents and throwdowns must not be supplied to anyone under 16 years of age.

Persons convicted for selling fireworks to minors face a maximum fine of £5,000.

What signs have to be displayed in a shop registered to sell fireworks?

Any shop selling fireworks must display an A3-sized sign, stating that:

• it is illegal to sell adult fireworks to anyone under the age of eighteen; and
• it is illegal for anyone under the age of eighteen to possess adult fireworks in a public place.

What quantity of fireworks can be kept in a shop?

The quantity of explosives that may be kept in a shop sales area at any one time is dependent upon the size of that area:

Size of sales area	Maximum quantity of explosives
0-20 sq m	12.5 kg
21-40 sq m	15 kg
41-60 sq m	20 kg
61-80 sq m	25 kg
81-100 sq m	30 kg
101-150 sq m	35 kg
151-200 sq m	40 kg
201-250 sq m	45 kg
251-300 sq m	50 kg
301-350 sq m	55 kg
351-400 sq m	60 kg
401-450 sq m	65 kg
451-499 sq m	70 kg
500+ sq m	75 kg

A further quantity of explosives may be stored securely in a storeroom at the premises, as long as that the total amount of explosives stored does not exceed the amount permitted by the registration or storage licence.

Are there any types of fireworks that I cannot sell?

The following fireworks must not be supplied to the general public:

• Air bombs, aerial shells, aerial maroons, shell-in-mortar and maroons-in-mortar;
• All bangers (including “batteries” containing bangers, such as Chinese Crackers);
• Mini rockets;
• Fireworks with erratic flight (e.g. ground spinners, jumping jacks, squibs);
• Any 'excessively loud' category 3 fireworks (i.e. more than 120dB when used);
• All category 4 fireworks or any other firework which does not meet BS 7114 or EU equivalent.

These types of fireworks are generally regarded as 'professional display' fireworks, and should only be used by professional firework display operators.

What records do firework sellers have to keep?

Any sale of 50kg or more of explosive must be formally recorded, including the following details:

• the name and address of the person who supplied the fireworks to the seller;
• the date on which the fireworks were purchased by the seller;
• the name and address of the person to whom the fireworks were sold;
• the date of the sale;
• the total amount of explosives contained in the fireworks sold.

These records must be kept for at least 3 years, and must be made available for inspection upon the request of a Council Officer.

There is no legal obligation to record smaller sales, although we do recommend that sellers keep comprehensive records for their own business purposes.