Fireworks registration and licensing
Trading Standards enforce the law on the sale and storage of fireworks.
Firework laws
It is illegal:
- To sell adult fireworks or sparklers to anyone under the age of 18
- For anyone under the age of 18 to possess fireworks in a public place
It is the trader's responsibility to be aware of, and comply with the regulations relating to the manufacture and storage of explosives.
Applying to store explosives
If you want to store up to 2,000 kilograms of fireworks, you will need to apply for a licence from the council.
If you wish to store more, you will need to seek advice from the Health and Safety Executive.
Guidance notes
Guidance on explosive storage and sale is available from the Health and Safety Executive website.
- Guidance on Explosives Regulations - Safety Provisions
- Guidance on Explosives Regulations - Security Provisions
- Guidance on storing and selling fireworks
- Explosives Regulations 2014
Application fees
Fees are set annually in legislation and will depend on the type of licence you apply for, the period of licence granted which is between one to five years and the quantity of explosives you intend to store.
| 1 year | 2 years | 3 years | 4 years | 5 years | |
| Under 250kg | £119 | £154 | £190 | £226 | £260 |
| 250kg to 2,000kg | £202 | £266 | £333 | £409 | £463 |
| 1 year | 2 years | 3 years | 4 years | 5 years | |
| Under 250kg | £59 | £94 | £132 | £166 | £202 |
| 250kg to 2,000kg | £94 | £161 | £226 | £291 | £357 |
Other fees
Fees are applied for the following:
- Varying name of licensee or address of site - £40
- Transfer of licence - £40
- Replacement of licence - £40
- All year round sales licence - £525
How to apply
Payment can be made over the phone by calling 020 8545 3025 from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Use your licence number or premises address as the reference.
Make payment prior to submitting your application. You will need to tell us the period of licence requested and the quantity to be stored.
You must complete the licence application form.
Ensure you send a copy of your receipt along with your application, premise plan and risk assessment as required to trading.standards@merton.gov.uk.
After you apply
If we are satisfied with your application, we will register you. We will not normally visit your premises before granting a registration.
This registration runs until 30 September of each year, so you need to renew your registration when it expires if you want to continue to sell fireworks
Selling fireworks all year round
Generally, you can only sell fireworks to the public during the following designated periods:
- 15 October to 10 November
- 26 December to 31 December
- On the first day of the Chinese New Year and the three days immediately preceding it
- On the day of Diwali and the three days immediately preceding it
If you want to sell fireworks at any other time contact us to obtain an annual fireworks sellers' licence in addition to the storage licence.