.

Explosive Regulations

Firework display
Firework display

Manufacture and Storage of Explosive Regulations 2005

Information for the guidance of applicants registering premises under the above regulations to store explosives.

It is a requirement that anyone wishing to keep explosives shall register their name, trade and premises with the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

We will now only issue a registration/licence for new applications or renewals once the premises designated for explosive storage has been subject to a satisfactory inspection from our fire safety department.

For further information please see the application process.

If there has been a lapse in your yearly registration/license, you should complete a full application and this will be processed as a new application.

For further advice and guidance on Manufacture and Storage of Explosives, please consult the Health and Safety Executive web-site.

All new applications or renewals for a registration / Licence to store fireworks will now only be granted by the Licensing Authority once the premises have been subject to a satisfactory inspection by a Fire Safety Officer from TWFRS.

You can request an inspection by following the link.

An inspection will be carried out by a Fire Safety officer within 28 days from request to asses the suitability of the premises for explosive storage (please see our storage guidance for further information).

If the premises is deemed suitable an application form will then be given to the applicant so they can apply for a registration / licence. 

Firefighter with Policeman

For retailers and suppliers of fireworks

  • Fireworks can only be sold with a fireworks license/registration on the first day of Diwali and three days immediately before it, from 15 October to 10 November and 26 December to 31 December, as well as Chinese New Year and the three days immediately before the date.

  • An extra fireworks license is required if you wish to sell fireworks at any other time.  Please contact Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service for details on how to obtain one.

  • You must register or obtain a licence to store fireworks.

  • You must store fireworks safely.

  • You must display a large notice reminding customers about the law on underage sales and possession.

  • You must not sell fireworks to anyone who is under 18 - even if they appear older (proof of age should be asked for).

  • You must not sell caps, cracker snaps, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents and throwdowns to anyone under 16.

  • Boxes of fireworks must not be split and sold separately.

  • All fireworks for the public must comply with the British Standard (BS 7114).

  • If you don't follow these rules you could be fined £5,000 or imprisoned for 6 months.

  • All fireworks not intended for supply to the general public (category 4) must be marked to show this.

  • All category 3 fireworks (display fireworks) must not be more than 120 decibels.

  • Licensing authorities can ask to see information relating to transactions of fireworks exceeding 50kg of net explosive content.
  • Licensing authorities can ask to see information about the buying and selling of fireworks that have more than 50kg of net explosive content.

 

Fees

The following fees are applicable for 2012 / 2013

  • Registration to store £105

  • Renewal of registration £52

  • New store licence application £178

  • Renewal of store licence £83

  • Annual licence to sell £500

  • Variation, transfer or replacementof a licence or registration £35

Licensing

Suppliers of adult fireworks must hold a licence, except at certain times of year. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority grant licences. We will refuse a licence unless the applicant follows all legal requirements for storing fireworks, and may refuse a licence (or revoke a licence previously granted) if the applicant has committed any fireworks-related offences.

The license allows the holder to supply fireworks on the first day of the Chinese New Year and three days immediately before it, on the first day of Diwali and three days immediately before it, from 15 October to 10 November and 26 December to 31 December.

Traders wishing to supply at any other time must apply for a separate annual licence to sell as well as the initial registration/licence.

Notices

Firework suppliers must display a notice stating that it is a criminal offence to supply adult fireworks to those under the age of eighteen, and for people under eighteen to own adult fireworks.

Fireworks suppliers must provide a local licensing authority with information about fireworks where the total net explosive content of fireworks supplied in a single sale is more than 50kg.


  • pdf
  • Firework Risk Assessment [pdf / 108KB] The Safe Working Procedure for Firework Displays and Bonfires should be adhered to when planning any event involving fireworks and bonfires, please refer any queries you have to your local Fire Safety Team.