Licences for fireworks and explosives

You must be licensed if you sell or store fireworks and explosives.

Who needs a licence

You must be licensed if you sell or store:

  • cartridges for nail guns
  • cartridges for vehicle airbags
  • fireworks
  • flares and smoke signals
  • small arms cartridges

Regulations

The Explosives Regulations 2014 imposes storage requirements on any person who wishes to store explosives, and the requirement to hold a licence to do so.  There are some specific exemptions for those storing very small quantities of explosives or who are storing explosives for only a short period of time.

If you wish to sell fireworks all year round you will also need an additional licence under the Fireworks Regulations 2004.

Apply for or renew a licence

Apply to Cumbria Trading Standards if you are storing between 5kg and 2000kg of explosives, including:

  • fireworks
  • small arms ammunition
  • air bag inflators  

You can apply by either phone or email.

Telephone: 01946 505005

Email: [email protected]

Costs for explosives licences

See the Cumberland Council fees and charges page.