In October 2014 new regulations relating to the storage of explosives were introduced. The new regulations now refer to 'net mass' and not gross weight. Net mass is the actual weight of the explosive itself without the weight of packaging.
Explosives licence
The new regulations refer to the Net Explosive Quantity (NEQ) rather than the gross weight. That is the actual weight of the explosives without the weight of the packaging.
Amounts that don’t need to be registered
If you store less than 5 kg of explosives that don’t require an explosives certificate or less than 15 kg of small arms ammunition, then you don’t need to be registered or licensed. Certain exemptions apply to short term storage of fireworks, please contact Trading Standards for more information on trading.standards@nottscc.gov.uk.
Storing between 5 kg and 250 kg
If you wish to store between 5 kg and 250 kg (NEQ) you require an explosive registration certificate.
Storing over 250 kg
If you wish to keep between 250 kg and 2,000 kg (NEQ) you require an explosive storage licence, please contact Trading Standards on trading.standards@nottscc.gov.uk.
Fees payable
All registrations are renewable annually and are not transferable from one person to another. The current fees for registration and renewal of registration are:
- £109 per annum for a new storage licence (up to 250 kg Net Mass)
- £185 for a new storage licence (up to 2,000 kg Net Mass)
- £54 per annum for a renewal storage licence (up to 250 kg Net Mass)
- £86 per annum for a renewal storage licence (up to 2,000 kg Net Mass).
Fireworks Licence
Any person intending to supply fireworks or expose for supply fireworks all year round require a Fireworks Licence other than during the following periods:
- On the first day of the Chinese New Year and the three days immediately preceding it;
- On the day of the Diwali and the three days immediately preceding it;
- During the period beginning on the 15 October and ending on the 10 November; or
- During the period beginning on the 26 December and ending on the 31 December.
The fee for a licence is £500, renewable annually.
If you only intend to supply fireworks during the above periods you will still be required to register your premises for the storage of explosives. Certain exemptions apply to short term storage of fireworks, please contact Trading Standards for more information on trading.standards@nottscc.gov.uk.
Important Notes
Under the Fireworks Regulations 2004 it is illegal to:
- Sell adult fireworks or sparklers to anyone under of the age of 18.
- It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess adult fireworks in a public place.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are aware of, and are complying with the regulations on the manufacture and storage of explosives. A copy of the legislation relating to explosives (fireworks) can be inspected at the Nottinghamshire County Council Trading Standards offices where you may obtain a registration form and further help and advice.
Contact Details
Email: trading.standards@nottscc.gov.uk
Last Updated on Thursday, March 7, 2024