There have been some recent changes to the manner that local authorities licence retailers for the storage of explosives (for the most part this refers to fireworks and shotgun cartridges).
All existing licenses to store explosives will be valid until their renewal date. If you need to renew a licence or if you are applying to store explosives for the first time, the following regulations apply.
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.
| Explosives licences | Fees per licence from 1 April 2024 |
|---|---|
| Initial licence to store explosives (no separation distance required) - 1-year duration | £119 |
| Initial licence to store explosives (no separation distance required) - 2-year duration | £154 |
| Initial licence to store explosives (no separation distance required) - 3-year duration | £190 |
| Initial licence to store explosives (no separation distance required) - 4-year duration | £226 |
| Initial licence to store explosives (no separation distance required) - 5-year duration | £260 |
| Initial licence to store explosives (separation distance required) - 1-year duration | £202 |
| Initial licence to store explosives (separation distance required) - 2-year duration | £266 |
| Initial licence to store explosives (separation distance required) - 3-year duration | £333 |
| Initial licence to store explosives (separation distance required) - 4-year duration | £409 |
| Initial licence to store explosives (separation distance required) - 5-year duration | £463 |
| Licence renewal to store explosives (no separation distance required) - 1-year duration | £ 59 |
| Licence renewal to store explosives (no separation distance required) - 2-year duration | £ 94 |
| Licence renewal to store explosives (no separation distance required) - 3-year duration | £132 |
| Licence renewal to store explosives (no separation distance required) - 4-year duration | £166 |
| Licence renewal to store explosives (no separation distance required) - 5-year duration | £202 |
| Licence renewal to store explosives (separation distance required) - 1-year duration | £ 94 |
| Licence renewal to store explosives (separation distance required) - 2-year duration | £161 |
| Licence renewal to store explosives (separation distance required) - 3-year duration | £226 |
| Licence renewal to store explosives (separation distance required) - 4-year duration | £291 |
| Licence renewal to store explosives (separation distance required) - 5-year duration | £357 |
Amounts that don't need to be licensed
If you store less than 5kg of explosives, or less than 20kg of small arms ammunition, you don't need to be licensed.
If you are storing between 5kg and 2000kg of explosives
If you are storing between 5kg and 2000kg of other explosives, including:-
- fireworks
- small arms ammunition
- air bag inflators
Apply to Cumbria Trading Standards:
Telephone: 01539 713594
Fax: 01539 713580
Email: trading.standards@cumbria.gov.uk
Additional guidance can be found by visiting the Health and Safety Executive website.