Selling fireworks
Fireworks retailing rules and responsibilities for businesses in Northern Ireland including how to apply for a licence to sell fireworks legally and safe storage.
Fireworks are a popular and traditional feature of events and shows in Northern Ireland. The peak season for firework retail each year is in the run-up to Halloween.
If you plan to sell fireworks you need to understand your responsibilities under the law. Your retail premises need to be registered with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and there are strict rules for selling fireworks legally, who you can sell fireworks to, and how fireworks should be stored.
Fireworks are dangerous explosives, and rules are in place to protect the public and your business. Selling fireworks without permission from DOJ, or breaching the conditions of your registration, could mean hefty fines for your business, or the possibility of being imprisoned.
This guide will help you understand how to register as a firework retailer, what you need to do to ensure you are storing fireworks safely at your premises, the different categories of fireworks and where to get more information and help.
Registering as a fireworks retailer
How to register with the Department of Justice as a firework retailer in Northern Ireland and why it is important to ensure you have an up-to-date licence.
Fireworks are explosive devices, and as such are tightly regulated in Northern Ireland. As well as customers needing a licence to buy fireworks, retailers need to be registered to sell fireworks and must follow clear rules when selling and storing fireworks.
Fireworks and their sale and storage is regulated in Northern Ireland by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
To sell fireworks legally from your premises you must:
- have your premises registered by DOJ
- apply to DOJ to renew your Certificate of Registration
You may be fined up to 拢5,000 and/or imprisoned if you sell fireworks without permission from the DOJ or breach the conditions of your registration.
Different rules apply depending on the type of fireworks you intend to trade in - see fireworks categories and your business.
How to register as a fireworks retailer
For an application form to register as a fireworks retailer, you should contact the Firearms and Explosives Branch on Tel 0300 200 7881 or by emailing feb@justice-ni.gov.uk.
Rules for selling fireworks legally
Once you are registered as a firework retailer in Northern Ireland, there are rules you must follow including age restrictions and packaging.
Once you are registered as a firework retailer with the Department of Justice (DOJ), there are certain rules you must follow when selling fireworks.
Fireworks information which must be displayed at the point of sale
You must display your original Certificate of Registration on your premises - this is issued under as amended.
You must also display a warning notice stating: "It is illegal to sell category F1 (indoor) fireworks to anyone under the age of 16 and category F2 (outdoor) and F3 (display) fireworks to anyone under the age of 18." Its dimensions must not be less than 297 mm by 420 mm with the letters not less than 36 mm high.
Age restrictions when selling fireworks
It is an offence to sell a category F1 (indoor) firework to anyone under the age of 16 years, and category F2 (outdoor) and F3 (display) fireworks to anyone under the age of 18.
You must not sell sparklers unless the packet in which they are contained is marked with the words: "WARNING: not to be given to children under 5 years of age."
Fireworks standards and packaging
It is an offence to sell fireworks which don't comply with the law. The regulations aim to improve safety, introducing new requirements for manufacturers, importers and distributors of pyrotechnic articles placed on the market. Fireworks that conform to approved standards will have a CE marking on the packaging. They also extend and clarify the obligations of economic operators and give enforcing authorities additional powers. .
You must not sell any firework which you have removed, caused to be removed or know to have been removed from a primary pack or a selection pack.
Rules for selling fireworks of different categories
There are a number of additional legal requirements when selling fireworks, depending on their category. For more information see the page in this guide on fireworks categories and your business.
You may be fined up to 拢5,000 and/or imprisoned if you sell fireworks without permission from DOJ or breach conditions of your registration.
Fireworks categories and your business
Fireworks categories F1, F2, F3 and F4, what they mean and your responsibilities as a fireworks retailer for safe storage and sale of fireworks in each category.
Fireworks are grouped under four main categories, and your responsibilities as a fireworks retailer differ depending on which types you are trading in.
Category F1 fireworks
Category F1 fireworks present a very low hazard and negligible noise level, and are intended for use in confined areas. This includes fireworks which are intended for use inside domestic buildings.
A fireworks licence is not required for the purchase, possession or use of category F1 fireworks (and category F2 sparklers). Remember, you must not sell sparklers unless the packet in which they are contained is marked with the words: "WARNING: not to be given to children under 5 years of age."
Category F2, F3 and F4 fireworks
Category F2 fireworks present a low hazard and low noise level, and are intended for outdoor use in confined areas. The sale, possession, purchase, or use of any fireworks of erratic flight or any mini-rocket, banger or air bomb in category F2 is prohibited.
Category F3 fireworks present a medium hazard - they are intended for outdoor use in large open areas, and noise levels are not harmful to human health.
Category F4 fireworks present a high hazard - they are intended for use only by persons with specialist knowledge (commonly known as fireworks for professional use) and noise levels are not harmful to human health. They must be labelled: "This device must not be sold to or used by a member of the general public" and may only be used by experienced pyrotechnicians.
Retail restrictions on category F2, F3 and F4 fireworks
You cannot sell category F2, F3 or F4 fireworks to anyone who does not hold a fireworks licence. The licence application form is only available from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the appropriate fee must be paid before the licence is issued - find .
You must keep a permanent record of all category F2, F3, or F4 fireworks sold including:
- the name and address of the customer
- the date of each sale and the quantity and type of fireworks sold
- the customer's firework licence number
These records must be retained for at least two years and must be available on demand for inspection by a Constable or representative from an enforcing authority on production of a warrant.
For more detailed advice on specific types of fireworks and their categories, you should contact the Department of Justice Firearms and Explosives Branch on Tel 0300 200 7881.
You may be fined up to 拢5,000 and/or imprisoned if you sell fireworks without permission from DOJ or breach conditions of your registration.
Storing fireworks safely at your premises
How to store fireworks safely at your business premises and your responsibilities as a retailer under manufacture and storage of explosives legislation.
Storing fireworks on your premises can pose a severe health and safety hazard if you don't follow the correct procedures. You cannot legally sell fireworks if your premises are not registered with the Department of Justice (DOJ) - see registering as a fireworks retailer.
Fireworks are explosive devices, and as such are tightly regulated in Northern Ireland. Your storage of fireworks on retail premises must meet legal requirements.
You need to understand your responsibilities and the requirements for safe storage of fireworks, such as:
- you and your staff must take all due precautions to prevent accidents by fire or explosion
- you are responsible for ensuring that your staff are adequately trained in storing and selling fireworks legally
- you may only keep a small quantity of stock in the sales area in locked cabinets
- you have to prevent unauthorised access to the fireworks, such as keeping stock in the sales area out of the reach of customers and keeping doors into storeroom locked
- you should always have a record of the quantity of fireworks you have in your store and in the sales area
If you wish to store fireworks you need to apply to DOJ for registration. You will have to pay a fee, undergo an inspection of your storage arrangements and have them approved. Usually you must also have planning permission to store fireworks in your premises. DOJ will also assess your fitness to store explosives. This will involve consultation with statutory agencies, such as the local council and the police.
If you wish to store large quantities of fireworks for wholesale or powerful fireworks for providing larger displays, a licence may be required. This is more complex than the registration process and you should contact DOJ about this.
You may store a very small quantity of fireworks without having to be registered with DOJ - .
Information about who is registered to store and/or sell fireworks is shared with local councils, the Police Service for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and may be shared with other statutory agencies.
You could be prosecuted and fined if you fail to follow the legal requirements for storing fireworks or breach conditions of your registration.
How to sell fireworks legally in Northern Ireland
The steps you should take in order to sell fireworks legally, including registering and complying with regulations.
Fireworks are popular for seasonal celebrations in Northern Ireland, such as Halloween. However, fireworks can be dangerous and come with certain risks. To ensure public safety, there are a number of rules retailers must follow to sell fireworks. Here are the main steps you must take if you wish to sell fireworks:
1. Register as a fireworks retailer by applying to the Department of Justice. See registering as a fireworks retailer.
2. Don't sell indoor fireworks to anyone under 16, and don't sell outdoor fireworks to anyone under 18.
3. Display your registration certificate on your premises. You must also display certain notices - see rules for selling fireworks legally.
4. Only sell fireworks in their original packaging. You must not sell fireworks that have been removed from a selection pack.
5. Ensure you store fireworks safely. You should take precaution to avoid fire or explosion. It is important to train your staff and keep record of the quantity of fireworks you store. See storing fireworks safely at your premises.