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.

Q. Can I buy fireworks all year?

A. 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 Fireworks for 21 days.

Q. Can I use fireworks whenever I like?

A. 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).

Q. What fireworks can i buy?

A. 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 meters. Category 3 fireworks are suited to larger gardens and displays and have a minimum safety distance of 25 meters.

Q. I heard there is a category 4 for fireworks, can i buy these?

A. No, category 4 fireworks are reserved for professional display operators.

Q. In some countries you can buy reloadable shells that fit in a tube, can I buy these?

A. 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.

Q. Can i buy firecrackers?

A. No, they are not available to the general public in the UK .

If you have any further questions, why not post them in our forum.

You can view the most resent legislation and other interesting information on the DTI website.