Explanatory note

These Regulations prohibit the possession, purchase, sale or use of certain categories of fireworks, except under licence issued by the Secretary of State, to whom application shall be made in writing. A licence fee will be payable (regulations 4, 5 and 10). Bodies exempt from the general prohibition are listed (regulation 8).

The use of fireworks outdoors after 11.00 pm and before 7.00 am is prohibited except under licence (regulation 4).

The possession, purchase, sale or use of the firework known as the “banger” is prohibited (regulation 4).

The Regulations impose conditions on the purchaser and seller of fireworks other than those which are referred to in Schedule 1 (regulations 6 and 9).

The sale or purchase of fireworks referred to in Schedule 1 is prohibited unless they are in the packaging and quantities specified (regulation 7).

Fireworks retailers will display notices relating to the minimum age for the purchase of fireworks and the Registration of premises as specified in the regulations (regulation 11).

Fireworks in categories 2 (where the total weight exceeds 900 kilograms), 3 and 4 shall not be transferred without the permission of the police (regulation 12).

Contravention of the Regulations, or of a licence issued under them, will be an offence (regulation 13).

The Regulations repeal The Explosives (Control of Fireworks) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1970 (regulation 14).

The British Standard publication is available from the British Standards Institution, 389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL.