Firework safety and the law

It’s easy to get distracted during celebrations and be less aware of the risk of using fireworks. Ensure you handle fireworks safely and prevent accidents by following these simple tips. You should also be aware of the law around the use of fireworks.

Follow the firework safety code

If you are thinking of using fireworks as part of your celebrations, you should follow these safety steps:

only buy fireworks marked BS 7114 or with a CE mark – this shows that the firework meets British or European safety standards which all fireworks should meet (a reputable shop will know this)
don’t drink alcohol if you’re setting off fireworks
store fireworks in a closed, metal box and take them out one at a time
keep a bucket of water nearby
follow the instructions on each firework – read them by torchlight, never by a naked flame
light fireworks at arm’s length, using the taper provided
make sure everyone stands well back
never go back to a firework that has been lit - even if it hasn’t gone off it could still explode
never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
always supervise children around fireworks and never give sparklers to a child under five
light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
keep pets indoors
don’t set off fireworks late at night
take care around open flames such as bonfires and barbecues - all clothes, even those labelled ‘low flammability’, can catch fire

Fireworks and the law

The law governing the sale and use of fireworks in Northern Ireland is very clear. If you want to buy, possess and use fireworks (except indoor fireworks and sparklers), then you must have a valid fireworks licence.

Licences for a garden fireworks display cost a minimum of £30. Please see licence application forms in the Do it online section.

Apply for a fireworks licence (do it online section)

Guidance

you must not possess, buy or use fireworks (except indoor fireworks and sparklers) unless you have a fireworks licence issued by the Department of Justice for Northern Ireland
you must show your licence to the retailer when you buy your fireworks
all sparkler packets must have the following wording on it – “Warning: not to be given to children under 5 years of age”
the packaging of fireworks must be labelled in English
fireworks must not be thrown or let off in a street or public place (other than a properly licensed public display)
Category 1 (indoor) fireworks must not be sold to children under 16 years of age
Category 2 (garden) and Category 3 (display) fireworks must not be sold to persons under 18 years of age
it is illegal for fireworks to be sold from premises not licensed/registered by the Department of Justice (retailers are required to display their certificates of registration at the point of sale)
selling fireworks at markets and car boot sales, and from vans, including ice-cream vans, is also illegal
never buy or use fireworks which do not have the British Standard “BS7114” or its European equivalent printed on the box
members of the general public must not buy or use Category 4 (professional use only) fireworks

The following types of fireworks are illegal:

aerial wheels
bangers
double bangers
flash bangers
batteries and combinations containing bangers, double bangers or flash bangers
jumping crackers
jumping ground spinners
spinners
mini rockets and shot tubes whose principal effect is a bang or whose internal diameter is greater than 30 millimetres

Fireworks must not be sold on a street or in a public place. A public place is anywhere to which the public are entitled or permitted access, including parks, school playgrounds and bus stations. To be on the safe side, think of a public place as anywhere other than your own garden.

Please note that the above guidance is not a substitute for the law. Fireworks offences carry a maximum fine of £5,000 and/or 6 months’ imprisonment. The Explosive (fireworks) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002 have been superceded by Schedule 5 of The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2010.