Fireworks registration and licence
Under the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005 all traders storing and selling fireworks must be registered with or licensed by the Council.
To store large quantities (over 2000kg) you will need a licence from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
How do I know if I need to register or get a licence?
This depends on:
- The amount explosive contained in the fireworks, i.e. the "Net Explosive Quantity" (NEQ)
If the NEQ is not given on packaging, calculate it as 25% of the gross weight of the fireworks.
- The Hazard Type (HT) of the fireworks
There are 4 categories of HT according to the hazardous of the explosives contained in the fireworks, with HT1 being the most dangerous. Most fireworks for general retail are HT4. However, if you also store some larger fireworks of HT3 the whole store will be treated as HT3.
Use the table below to assess if you need to register or get a licence.
|
Hazard type |
Less than 7kg NEQ |
Less than 100kg NEQ |
Less than 250kg NEQ |
More than 250kg NEQ |
More than 2000kg NEQ |
|
HT4 |
Registration |
Registration |
Registration |
Licence |
HSE Licence |
|
HT3/4 |
Registration |
Registration |
Licence |
Licence |
HSE Licence |
|
HT2/3/4 |
Registration |
Licence |
Licence |
Licence |
HSE Licence |
|
HT1/2/3/4 |
Registration |
Licence |
Licence |
Licence |
HSE Licence |
When can I sell fireworks?
These licences / registrations will allow you to store fireworks all year round but can only sell fireworks at the following specified periods of the year:
- from 15 October - 10 November inclusive
- on the day of Diwali and the three days before
- on the first day of the Chinese New Year and the three days before
- from 26 - 31 December inclusive
If you wish to sell fireworks throughout the year, you will need to apply for a separate fireworks licence. Please contact Hackney Licensing Service for further information.
How do I apply?
To make an application you must submit:
- A completed application form (application for registration or application for storage licence)
- Floor plan of the premises in the prescribed form
- Risk assessment documents
- the prescribed fee
Application forms for firework registration or licence are available from Hackney Licensing Services on request, or can be downloaded from the download section on this page.
Page updated: 7 Nov 2011
.