Explosives licences

If you plan to keep explosives such as fireworks (for retail sale and/or professional use only), you will need an explosives licence. Other explosives may also require an explosive licence, please contact us for further advice if required.

Explosives licences (for storage)

In October 2014 regulations relating to the storage of explosives were introduced. These regulations refer to 'net mass' and not gross weight. Net mass is the actual weight of the explosive itself without the weight of packaging.

Small amounts of explosives

If you store less than 5kg of explosives or less than 15kg of small arms ammunition, you don't need to be licensed.

Between 5kg and 250kg of explosives

If you wish to store between 5kg and 250kg (net mass) you will need an explosives licence. No separation distances will apply.

Over 250kg and up to 2,000kg of explosives

If you wish to keep between 250kg and 2,000kg (net mass) you will need an explosives storage licence, and separation distances will apply. Storage over 2,000kg falls to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).

Fireworks

If you only intend to supply fireworks during the following periods you will need an explosives licence:

  • on the first day of the Chinese New Year and the three days immediately before it
  • on the day of Diwali and the three days immediately before it
  • during the period beginning on 15 October and ending on 10 November
  • during the period beginning on 26 December and ending on 31 December.

If you intend to supply fireworks all year round you will need a fireworks licence in addition to an explosives licence.

Certain exemptions may apply to the short-term storage of fireworks - please email trading.standards@nottscc.gov.uk for more details.

Costs

All explosives licences are renewable and are not transferable from one person to another. Fees are set by The Health and Safety and Nuclear (Fees) (Amendment) and Gas Safety (Miscellaneous Amendment) Regulations 2024 and are subject to review. The current fees for a new explosives licence and renewal of an explosives licence are:

  • £119 per annum for a new storage licence (up to 250kg Net Mass)
  • £202 per annum for a new storage licence (up to 2,000kg Net Mass)
  • £59 per annum for a renewal storage licence (up to 250kg Net Mass)
  • £94 per annum for a renewal storage licence (up to 2,000kg Net Mass).

An explosives licence can be issued for up to 5 years, subject to Nottinghamshire County Council's “approval”.

Apply

Download, print and fill in the explosives licence application form [PDF], make your payment then return to the address on the application form.

Further information

This information is a brief summary of the law relating to the storage of explosives. It is not an authoritative document on the law and is only intended for guidance.

For more information: