Selling fireworks

Once you are registered as a firework retailer with the Department of Justice (DOJ), there are certain rules you must follow when selling fireworks.

Fireworks information which must be displayed at the point of sale

You must display your original Certificate of Registration on your premises - this is issued under the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 as amended.

You must also display a warning notice stating: "It is illegal to sell category F1 (indoor) fireworks to anyone under the age of 16 and category F2 (outdoor) and F3 (display) fireworks to anyone under the age of 18." Its dimensions must not be less than 297 mm by 420 mm with the letters not less than 36 mm high.

Age restrictions when selling fireworks

It is an offence to sell a category F1 (indoor) firework to anyone under the age of 16 years, and category F2 (outdoor) and F3 (display) fireworks to anyone under the age of 18.

You must not sell sparklers unless the packet in which they are contained is marked with the words: "WARNING: not to be given to children under 5 years of age."

Fireworks standards and packaging

It is an offence to sell fireworks which don't comply with the law. The regulations aim to improve safety, introducing new requirements for manufacturers, importers and distributors of pyrotechnic articles placed on the market. Fireworks that conform to approved standards will have a CE marking on the packaging. They also extend and clarify the obligations of economic operators and give enforcing authorities additional powers. Read the full text of the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015.

You must not sell any firework which you have removed, caused to be removed or know to have been removed from a primary pack or a selection pack.

Rules for selling fireworks of different categories

There are a number of additional legal requirements when selling fireworks, depending on their category. For more information see the page in this guide on fireworks categories and your business.

You may be fined up to £5,000 and/or imprisoned if you sell fireworks without permission from DOJ or breach conditions of your registration.