Information for Importers and Retailers of Fireworks

Importers and retailers need to be aware of their responsibilities and recent changes to legislation governing fireworks.

Importers

The changes to the law mean that...

• Importers must supply information at the point of entry to ensure that fireworks are legally stored and distributed. This information should be given to Customs and Excise and will then be sent to the relevant authorities responsible for storage licences so they can check on deliveries (this regulation came into force on 1 January 2005).
• Licensing authorities can ask to see information relating to transactions of fireworks exceeding 50kg of net explosive content.
• All fireworks imported for sale to the public must comply with the British Standard (BS 7114).
• All fireworks not intended for supply to the general public (HT1) must indicate this by way of a mark.
• All HT2 fireworks (display fireworks) must not exceed 120 decibels.

Retailers

• You must register or obtain a licence to store fireworks – this can be obtained from the Vale of Glamorgan Licensing Section on 01446 709105.
• ü You must store fireworks safely.
• You must display a large notice reminding customers about the law with regard to underage sales and possession.
• Anyone under the age of 18 found in possession of adult fireworks in a public place will be committing a criminal offence.
• You must not sell fireworks to anyone who is under 18 - even if they appear to be older (it is highly recommended that proof of age is sought e.g Validate).
• You must not sell caps, cracker snaps, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents and throwdowns to anyone who is under 16.
• Boxes of fireworks must not be split and sold separately.
• All fireworks for the public must comply with the British Standard (BS 7114).
• If you don't comply with these rules you could be fined £5,000 or imprisoned for 6 months.
• If you wish to supply fireworks outside of the following permitted periods you must apply for a separate licence from the Licensing Section. Permitted periods are:-

5 November – (15 October to 10 November)

New Year – (26 December to 31 December)

Chinese New Year – (four days before, including the day of Chinese New Year)

Diwali – (four days before, including Diwali)

The Vale of Glamorgan Trading Standards Section will be inspecting all premises registered or licensed to sell fireworks over the permitted periods and can revoke any registration or licence where necessary.

The Public

Members of the public are permitted to store no more than 50kgs (net explosive content) of Hazard Type 4 fireworks for no longer than 21 days provided they are not for sale or use at work.

Should you be concerned about illegal storage of fireworks or the sale of illegal fireworks e.g. fireworks labelled in a foreign language, fireworks that look less professional or without BS7114 label contact Trading Standards on the details below.

Fireworks Code

The firework safety code for adults

1. Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114 and always buy from a reputable retailer

2. Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.

3. Keep fireworks in a closed box.

4. Follow the instructions on each firework.

5. Light them at arms length, using a taper.

6. Stand well back.

7. Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.

8. Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.

9. Always supervise children around fireworks.

10. Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.

11. Never give sparklers to a child under five.

12. Keep pets indoors.

13. Don’t let off noisy fireworks after 11pm.

And remember . . . Fireworks. Be safe not sorry. Always follow the code.

Further information and guidance can be found on the BIS (Department of Business Inovation & Skills) website.

Trading Standards or Licensing may be contacted on:

Tel: 01446 709105

Fax: 01446 709449

Email: TScomplaints@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

Opening hours are: 8.30am - 5.00pm Monday Thursday, and 8.30am - 4.30pm on Fridays

We are based at the Civic Offices, Holton Road, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, CF63 4RU.