How to sell fireworks up until Bonfire Night etc?

Selling fireworks in England and Wales is tightly regulated to ensure public safety. 

Here’s are the legal requirements, restrictions, and authorisations involved:

Licensing Requirements

To sell fireworks, you must:

1. Be registered or licensed with your local authority’s Trading Standards office.
2. Apply for a storage licence if you store more than 5 kg of fireworks (Net Explosive Content – NEC).
3. Up to 2,000 kg NEC: Licence from your local council or fire service (depending on region).
4. Over 2,000 kg NEC: Licence from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Retailers can only sell fireworks during specific periods unless they have a year-round sales licence:

• 15 October – 10 November
• 26 – 31 December
• 3 days before and on Diwali
• 3 days before and on Chinese New Year

Outside these dates, a separate sales licence is required.

Firework Categories and Age Restrictions

Category F1: Low hazard (e.g. party poppers) – minimum age: 16

Category F2 & F3: “Adult” fireworks – minimum age: 18

Category F4: Professional use only – not for public sale

It is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under 18 (except some F1 items).

Storage Rules

Up to 50 kg NEC of Hazard Type 4 fireworks: Can be stored for up to 21 days without a licence (if not for sale or work use).

Up to 100 kg NEC of Hazard Type 3 fireworks: Can be stored for up to 5 days at the place of intended use.

Larger quantities or longer storage: Require a licence.

Time Restrictions for Use

Fireworks must not be set off between 11 PM and 7 AM, except:

• Bonfire Night: Until midnight
• New Year’s Eve, Diwali, Chinese New Year: Until 1 AM
• They must not be set off in public places (e.g. streets, parks) without permission.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

1. Unlimited fines
2. Up to 6 months imprisonment
3. On-the-spot fines of £90 for minor offences.

Additional Advice:

Fireworks must be CE marked (or UKCA marked post-Brexit) to show compliance with safety standards.

Certain fireworks are banned from public sale, including Bangers, Air bombs, Mini-rockets and Jumping jacks.