Explosives Storage Licence
You will need a licence from Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council if you want to store explosives including fireworks up to 2,000 kg net explosive content (NEC) of adult fireworks.
If you want to store more than two tonnes of explosives you should apply to the Health and Safety Executive for a licence.
How do you obtain a licence to store fireworks?
If you want to store more than 5 kg and less than 2,000 kg net explosive content (NEC) of adult fireworks, you need to complete an application form.
Once completed you should return the form, accompanied by the appropriate fee (see below), a site plan and, where relevant, a floor plan.
An application may be refused if the storage site is found to be unsuitable on safety grounds, or if there is evidence to suggest the applicant is not a fit person to store fireworks or explosives.
The application form requires that you state the 'hazard type' and amount of explosive content that you intend to store. Fireworks are divided into four hazard types (HT1, HT2, HT3 and HT4) for storage licensing purposes. HT1 and HT2 are not suitable for retail storage and the amount of HT3 and HT4 is restricted as follows:
• you can store up to 250 kg of HT4 fireworks in a suitable building with no separation required from other buildings or places with public access
• you are restricted to 25 kg of HT3 fireworks or a combination of HT3 and HT4 fireworks in a suitable building with no separation required from other buildings or places with public access
• where sleeping accommodation is adjacent to a fireworks store, only 75 kg of HT4 fireworks can be stored
• storage of more than 250 kg of HT4 fireworks or storage of more than 25 kg of HT3 fireworks up to a maximum of 2,000 kg requires a suitable building separated from other buildings or places with public access
You should seek advice from your supplier as to the suitability of the fireworks you intend to store and sell. The storage of HT3 fireworks severely restricts the amount of fireworks you can store in typical retail premises. For more information on the Sale of Fireworks, please visit our Sale of Fireworks Page.
Fees
Explosives licence fees - storage of up to 250kg NEQ
| Duration | New Application | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | £119 | £59 |
| 2 Years | £154 | £94 |
| 3 Years | £190 | £132 |
| 4 Years | £226 | £166 |
| 5 Years | £260 | £1202 |
Explosives licence fees - storage between 250kg and 2,000kg NEQ
| Duration | New Application | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | £202 | £94 |
| 2 Years | £266 | £161 |
| 3 Years | £333 | £226 |
| 4 Years | £409 | £291 |
| 5 Years | £463 | £357 |
Please note new applications will normally only be granted for 1 year, renewal applications may be granted for longer periods based on their compliance history.
How do you store & sell fireworks safely?
This area is covered by the Explosives Regulations 2014.
Your local authority will give you advice on the safe storage and sale of fireworks. The HSE also has guidance on storing and selling fireworks on its website. This guidance includes a risk assessment checklist.
If you do not have a storeroom to use exclusively for the storage of fireworks, category F2 and F3 fireworks should be stored away from the shop premises or be kept either:
• away from the sales area in their closed transport packaging in a fire-resistant cabinet, container or within a suitable cage
... or
• in a suitable display case (the size of the retail sales area determines maximum quantities of fireworks that can be stored on the shop floor)
Further Information
Further information is available from GOV.UK: fireworks manufacture and storage licences and Health and Safety Executive (HSE): fireworks.
If you need any further information in relation to the sale of Fireworks please contact the Trading Standards Team on 01685 725000.