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
Apply for a licence
If you don't already have an account on the Regulatory Services Hub, create an account and verify your account by clicking the link in the email we sent you
- Sign in to the Regulatory Services Hub
- Click ‘Licensing’
- Click ‘Apply for a licence’
- Choose ‘Wandsworth’ from the list of councils
- Under the heading 'Explosives' click the licence you require
- Complete and submit your application including payment
If you need help, email licensing@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 you may apply for an annual fireworks sellers' licence, in addition to the storage licence, using the Regulatory Services Hub.