Fireworks & UK Law
The law covering fireworks in the UK can be very complex and most of it doesn’t apply to the general public. But here we have listed some of the most frequently asked questions with regards to fireworks and the law.
Can I buy fireworks all year?
Yes you can legally buy fireworks all year round, however the company you are buying from must have a licence to sell all year. You should also note that you are only legally permitted to store up to 50kg of 1.4g Fireworks for 21 days and 5kg of 1.3g Fireworks for 3 days.
What fireworks can i buy?
You can buy Category 1, 2 and 3 fireworks. Category 1 fireworks are classed as low hazard fireworks. Category 2 fireworks are those which are suited to smaller back gardens and have a minimum safety distance of 8 meters. Category 3 fireworks are suited to larger gardens and displays and have a minimum safety distance of 25 meters.
What fireworks can i buy?
You can buy Category 1, 2 and 3 fireworks. Category 1 fireworks are classed as indoor fireworks. Category 2 fireworks are those which are suited to smaller back gardens and have a minimum safety distance of 5 or 8 meters. Category 3 fireworks are suited to larger gardens and displays and have a minimum safety distance of 25 meters.
What fireworks can i buy?
You can buy Category 1, 2 and 3 fireworks. Category 1 fireworks are classed as indoor fireworks. Category 2 fireworks are those which are suited to smaller back gardens and have a minimum safety distance of 5 or 8 meters. Category 3 fireworks are suited to larger gardens and displays and have a minimum safety distance of 25 meters.
What fireworks can i buy?
You can buy Category 1, 2 and 3 fireworks. Category 1 fireworks are classed as indoor fireworks. Category 2 fireworks are those which are suited to smaller back gardens and have a minimum safety distance of 5 or 8 meters. Category 3 fireworks are suited to larger gardens and displays and have a minimum safety distance of 25 meters.
What fireworks can i buy?
You can buy Category 1, 2 and 3 fireworks. Category 1 fireworks are classed as indoor fireworks. Category 2 fireworks are those which are suited to smaller back gardens and have a minimum safety distance of 5 or 8 meters. Category 3 fireworks are suited to larger gardens and displays and have a minimum safety distance of 25 meters.
What fireworks can i buy?
You can buy Category 1, 2 and 3 fireworks. Category 1 fireworks are classed as indoor fireworks. Category 2 fireworks are those which are suited to smaller back gardens and have a minimum safety distance of 5 or 8 meters. Category 3 fireworks are suited to larger gardens and displays and have a minimum safety distance of 25 meters.
How old do you have to be to buy fireworks in the UK?
You MUST be at least 18 year old to buy fireworks in the UK. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to possess fireworks in a public place.
Do I need a licence to use fireworks at home?
No, a licence is not required to use fireworks on private property. However, public firework displays may need permissions from local authorities, depending on the size and location.
What are the safety rules for storing fireworks at home?
Fireworks should be kept in a closed box, away from heat sources and be out of reach from children.
Check out these tips for safe firework storage
Can I use fireworks whenever I like?
Yes and No. You can use fireworks every day of the year between the hours of 7am and 11pm, except on Bonfire Night (midnight), Diwali, New Year, and Chinese New Year (1am).
I heard there is a category 4 for fireworks, can i buy these?
No, category 4 fireworks are reserved for professional display operators.
Can i buy firecrackers?
No, they are not available to the general public in the UK.
In some countries you can buy reloadable shells that fit in a tube, can I buy these?
These are called shells in mortars, they were banned from sale to the general public in 1997 after a few fatalities. They are now classified as Category 4 fireworks. If you are offered these you should contact your local trading standards office immediately, they are highly dangerous if loaded or fired incorrectly.
Can i buy fireworks online and have them delivered?
Yes, you can legally buy fireworks online, however there are strict safety and packaging regulations.
You can view the most resent legislation and other interesting information on the Gov.uk