The new Explosives Regulations 2014 (ER 2014) came into force on 1 October 2014 and has replaced the Manufacturer Storage of Explosives Regulations 2015 (MSER).
The ER 2014 consolidates and therefore revokes a number of existing explosives regulations. It brings together the requirements of health and safety related explosives legislation into a framework based around common topics such as authorisation, safety, security and placing on the market.
The main changes to the regulatory framework include:
A Local Authority License is required for storage of up to 2000kg of explosives including fireworks and small ammunition. This includes both the amount held on a shop floor sales area as well as in stock rooms or storage areas. If you store less than 5kg of explosives, then there is no need to be licensed.
In the case of fireworks, most for retail sale are Hazard Type 4, but some may be Hazard Type 3 (usually marked 1.3G). If you are storing any Hazard Type 3 explosives your entire stock should be treated as such and therefore a maximum of 100kg can be stored. However if you are then storing more than 25kg, you are also subject to separation distances from other buildings, accommodation or public areas.
The quantities are often marked on the outer packaging but if you are in any doubt as to the Hazard Type or NEQ you should seek advice from your supplier, as responsibility to store in a safe manner and within permitted quantities rests with the licence holder.
The quantities referred to in the new Regulations are the Net Explosives Quantity (NEQ) and not the gross weight.
NEQ is the quantity of the actual explosives contained within the product.
You will also need to apply for an annual fireworks licence if you intend to supply or expose for supply fireworks other than during the following periods: If you need to apply for annual storage and supply licence please see our Annual Supply of Fireworks Licence information page. A copy of the relevant legislation can be found on the legislation.gov.uk website.
The legislation requires the supply of detailed information as part of the application process. This includes the requirement for a detailed plan of the premises and details of any convictions held by the applicant. The issuing of a storage licence for more than one year will be assessed on individual bases against risk and issues highlighted from officer inspections.
The current fees for registration can be viewed in the attached document.
To apply for an Explosives Licence please download and complete the application form.
For further advice and Safety and Storage Regulations visit the HSE Website
Tacit consent means that if we have not dealt with applications within the target period then the application can be deemed to have been granted/approved. Please note that tacit consent does not apply in respect of this application. It is in the public interest therefore the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact it. Any applicant who is refused a licence can appeal to the Secretary Of State. Please contact us in the first instance.
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you, preferably in the form of a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, visit our Consumer pages or DirectGov for advice. From outside of the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Do I need a licence?
Supply and Storage of Fireworks All Year
Regulation Summary
Application Process
How To Apply
Guidance Notes
Will Tacit Consent Apply?
Licence Holder Redress
Consumer Complaint
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