The Explosives Regulations 2014 were produced to consolidate specific areas relating to the manufacture and storage of explosives and fireworks. The guidance replaced the Manufacture and Storage Regulations 2005.

Employers and anyone else who is manufacturing explosives, storing larger quantities of explosives or storing explosives including fireworks should read the Health and Safety Executive’s guidance on the regulations and apply for a licence.

Licences are only granted to applicants who meet all legal requirements for storing fireworks. They may be refused or revoked if the applicant has committed any relevant offences.

Licence holders can store fireworks for the selling periods of:

• the first day of the Chinese New Year and three days immediately before it
• the first day of Diwali and three days immediately before it
• the Bonfire Night period – from 15 October to 10 November
• the New Year period – from 26 December to 31 December.

To sell fireworks at any other time, traders must apply to us for a separate annual licence. For more information on the requirements to sell, contact your Local Authority Trading Standards Department.

Apply to store fireworks

All new applications or renewals for a licence to store fireworks can only be granted by the Licensing Authority once the premises have been subject to a satisfactory inspection by one of our Fire Safety Inspectors.

We will carry out an inspection within 28 days of receiving your request, which will involve assessing the suitability of your premises for explosive storage.

If your premises is considered suitable, we will provide you with an application form so you can apply for a licence.

You can also contact us by phone to request an inspection:

0191 444 1664

Timescales

For new applicants, there will be a consultation period of 21 days with other enforcing bodies to ensure the applicant is legally allowed to obtain a licence. No licence will be issued within this period, so please allow enough time for this consultation when applying.

Fees

You can find full details of fees and charges payable within Schedule 7, Part 2 of  The Health and Safety and Nuclear (Fees) (Amendment) and Gas Safety (Miscellaneous Amendment) Regulations 2024 No. 322 (legislation.gov.uk)

Storage guidance

Read our guidance on the safe storage of fireworks (PDF: 285KB).

You will also need to complete a Dangerous Substances and Explosives Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) risk assessment.

Firework Safety Guidance

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has published safety guidance on how to use fireworks responsibly. The guidance reminds people to buy fireworks from licenced in-store and online retailers and not from unknown retailers on social media sites, that it is illegal for under 18s to buy fireworks and to always follow the Firework Code.

Staying safe with fireworks

Fireworks advice for consumers