Explosives licences

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to register with the Council if I sell fireworks?

Before fireworks can be sold or stored the premises used must be registered with the Local Authority. Conditions apply as to the amount and way fireworks are stored and sold.

Who is registered?

The occupier of the premises should apply for the registration which only applies to one premise, a separate registration is required for each premises used.

How do I apply?

Application forms for explosive registration are obtainable from the Council. The current fee of £12.00 must be sent with the application. We do not have facilities for handling cash so please post a cheque or postal order.

Are there any special requirements for the sale of fireworks?

Fireworks must not be sold to persons under the age of 18. Fireworks are not normally on sale earlier than three weeks before November 5th. All fireworks should conform to the British Standard and have marked on them that they comply with BS 7114: Part 2 1988. If they do not they may not have been tested to this standard and may not be safe. They must also have the name and address of the manufacturer or importer (the full address is not required, only the town).

There are four recognised categories of fireworks:

Category 1:suitable for indoor use

Category 2:suitable for outdoor use in confined areas (garden fireworks)

Category 3:suitable for outdoor use in large areas (display fireworks)

Category 4:not intended for sale to public. These are not subject to the same type of testing as the other categories and should only be used by professionals. There could be an offence committed if sold to the public.

Fireworks imported from abroad are unlikely to conform to any of the British safety or labelling requirements and should not be imported or sold without taking prior advice.

Fire fighting equipment should be available at all times that fireworks are being stored.

What quantity of fireworks am I allowed to store?

There are two levels of storage for fireworks in shops, Mode A and Mode B.

Mode B - the normal type of storage. This allows up to 50 kilos of fireworks to be stored in the shop in a show case or metal container. The public must not be able to gain access to the container and no fireworks must be displayed in the shop window. If a show case is used, there must be no live electrical components within it. A further 200 kilos may be stored in a separate storeroom in metal containers. These weights refer to the actual fireworks and do not include outer cartons.

Mode A storage allows up to 1,000 kilos of fireworks to be stored. They must be in a fireproof lockable room or separate building. If any living accommodation forms part of the building it may not be used. The fireworks must be kept in the manufacturers packaging and this is included in the weight calculation.

How can I contact you for further information?

Our contact information is as follows:

Licensing Team
Business Regulations Section
Street Management & Public Protection
Civic Centre
Lampton Road
Hounslow
TW3 4DN

Fax: 020 8583 5130
Tel: 020 8583 5555
E-mail: licensing@hounslow.gov.uk