If you plan to keep explosives such as fireworks, safety cartridges or vehicle airbag detonators you will need an explosives licence.
Types of licence
In 2014, new regulations relating to the storage of explosives were introduced. The new regulations now refer to 'net mass' and not gross weight. Net mass is the actual weight of the explosive itself without the weight of packaging.
Small amounts of explosives
If you store less than 5kg of explosives or less than 15kg of small arms ammunition you don't need a licence.
Between 5kg and 250kg of explosives
If you wish to store between 5kg and 250kg (net mass) you will need an explosives licence. No separation distances will apply.
Over 250kg of explosives
If you wish to keep between 250kg and 2,000kg (net mass) you will need an explosives storage licence, and separation distances will apply.
Fireworks
If you only intend to supply fireworks during the following periods you will only need an explosives licence:
- on the first day of the Chinese New Year and the three days immediately before it
- on the day of Diwali and the three days immediately before it
- during the period beginning on 15 October and ending on 10 November
- during the period beginning on 26 December and ending on 31 December.
If you intend to supply fireworks all year round you will require an Annual Fireworks Licence in addition to an explosives licence. Please note that we do not issue licences for longer than one year at a time.
Contact us
Licensing Team
Hounslow House
7 Bath Road
Hounslow
Middlesex
TW3 3EB
