The Trading Standards Service enforce legislation covering the safe storage and sale of fireworks.
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The Trading Standards service enforces The Firework (Safety) Regulations 1997. A summary of the main provisions is given below, however if you intend to start selling fireworks contact us on 01582 54 72 72 for more detailed guidance.
What fireworks are covered
These requirements apply to all fireworks intended for use by the general public. There is a ban on the more powerful fireworks, such as aerial shells, aerial maroons, shells-in-mortar and maroons-in-mortar. There is an increase in the minimum age of legal purchasers. There is an additional age warning on sparklers.
Labelling requirements
Under the Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997:
From 15 October 1997:
- All fireworks sold must state that they comply with British Standard 7114.
-
Fireworks pre-packed by the manufacturer in labelled boxes, must not be split by
the retailer.
- Any fireworks which are not suitable for use by the general public shall bear the warning "This device must not be sold to, or used by, a member of the general public".
- Packets of sparklers shall also be marked with the warning "Not to be given to children under 5 years of age".
Proof of compliance with the safety requirements will be necessary when challenged from 15 October 1997:
- Party-poppers, throw-downs and caps shall only be sold to people over 16 years old.
- All other sales (including sparklers) shall be only to people over 18 years old.
- Aerial shells, aerial maroons, shells-in-mortar, maroons-in-mortar are permanently prohibited for supply to members of the public.
- Category 3 Bangers are prohibited from sale to members of the public.
- Batteries containing category 2 or category 3 bangers (examples are Chinese Crackers) are prohibited from sale to members of the public.
- Combinations of category 2 and 3 bangers are similarly prohibited, the exceptions being (Catherine) wheels and report units in Roman Candles.
- Fireworks with erratic flights are prohibited.
From 31 December 1997 the requirements are further amended:
- Category 2 bangers are prohibited
- Mini rockets are prohibited
- Category 2 fireworks include: air bombs and Roman candles of internal diameter not exceeding 20mm, battery and combination not exceeding 1kg, rocket of gross mass not exceeding 150g, mine not exceeding 125g, wheel not exceeding 100g.
- Category 3 fireworks include: air bombs and Roman candles of internal diameter not exceeding 30mm, battery and combination not exceeding 10kg, rocket of gross mass exceeding 500g and internal diameter not exceeding 25mm, mine not exceeding 1.2kg, wheel of gross mass not exceeding 1.5kg.
- Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114
- Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
- Keep fireworks in a closed box
- Follow the instructions on each firework
- Light them at arm's length, using a taper
- Stand well back
- Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn't gone off, it could still explode
- Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
- Always supervise children around fireworks
- Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
- Never give sparklers to a child under five
- Keep pets indoor
It is an offence, without lawful authority or excuse, to discharge a firework within 50 feet of the centre line of a vehicular highway if the highway is damaged as a result. Maximum fine £1,000.
It is an offence, without lawful authority or excuse, to discharge a firework within 50 feet of the centre line of a vehicular highway and in consequence a highway user is injured, interrupted or endangered. Maximum fine £1,000.
The regulations
- Prohibit the supply of any fireworks which do not comply with British Standard BS 7114
- Prohibit the supply to the general public of
- Any type of banger
- Mini-rockets (mini-rocket is defined in the Regulations as a rocket whose diameter is less than 12mm and whose overall length (including stick) is 300mm or less)
- Aerial shells, aerial maroons, shells in mortar and maroons in mortar
- All Category 4 fireworks
- Prohibit the supply of fireworks to anyone apparently under the age of 18
- Sparklers - are also fireworks and must not be sold to under 18's. They must be labelled "Not to be given to children under 5 years of age"
- Supply of caps, cracker snaps, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents & throw-downs are not prohibited to under-18s, but is prohibited (under other legislation) to under-16s
- Prohibit splitting of boxes of fireworks which the packer intended to be sold complete.
No. Voluntary groups are regarded as the general public & therefore the same restrictions apply.
What does 'supply' cover?
Actual supply (whether charged for or free issue), offer for supply, possession for supply, etc.
How are the regulations enforced?
Trading Standards Officers inspect premises & carry out test purchases using child volunteers, to ensure fireworks are not being sold to under 18's.
What is the penalty for breaching regulations?
Offenders can be prosecuted in a magistrate's court & the penalties on conviction are, for each offence, a fine of up to 5000 or a prison sentence of up to six months or both.
If you require further information please contact us
Enforcement Responsibilities
Police - Sale of fireworks on the street. Setting off fireworks in the street.
Fire Service - Provide licenses for the sale and storage of fireworks.
Trading Standards - Prohibit the sale of fireworks to under 18's. Prohibit the sale of banned fireworks. Prohibit the splitting of retail boxes of fireworks. Safety of fireworks.