Fireworks

The firework safety code

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

• only buy fireworks marked with a CE mark – this shows that the firework meets European safety standards which all fireworks must 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 out one at a time
• keep a bucket of water nearby
• follow the instructions on each firework – read by torchlight, don't use a naked flame
• light fireworks at arm’s length, using the taper provided
• make sure everyone stands well back
• don't go back to a firework that is lit - even if it hasn’t gone off it could still explode
• don't put fireworks in your pocket
• don't throw fireworks
• always supervise children around fireworks, don't 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

Apply for a fireworks licence

If you want to buy, possess and use fireworks (except indoor fireworks and sparklers), in Northern Ireland you must have a valid fireworks licence.

The closing date for all applications for Halloween firework displays is 20 October 2023.

Garden fireworks

If you plan to use garden fireworks, download this form, complete it and send it to the address on the form.

• Application for a Category F2 (Garden) fireworks licence

Display type fireworks

If you plan to use display type fireworks, download this form, complete it and send it to the address on the form.

• Application for a licence to buy, possess and use display type fireworks 

Fireworks advice

Fireworks can cause fear and distress especially amongst older people and more vulnerable members of the community.

You are also reminded of the traumatic effects that fireworks can have on pets and farm animals.

Low noise fireworks may be available to buy from your local registered retailer.

Fireworks 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 display the following words:  “Warning: not to be given to children under five years of age”
• the fireworks packaging must be written in English
• fireworks must not be thrown or let off in a street or public place (other than a properly licensed public display)
• Category F1 (indoor) fireworks must not be sold to children under 16 years of age
• Category F2 (garden) and Category F3 (display) fireworks must not be sold to people 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)
• it is illegal to sell fireworks at markets and car boot sales, and from vans, including ice-cream vans
• you should never buy or use fireworks which do not have the European standard CE marking printed on the box
• the general public must not buy or use Category F4 (professional use only) fireworks

Illegal types of fireworks 

• 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 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.

You can find guidance about fireworks safety from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) and on nidirect at the following links.

• Fire safety advice for parents and child carers

Fireworks and the law

Fireworks offences carry a maximum fine of £5,000 or a three month prison sentence, or both. You can find out more about fireworks and the law at the following links:

• The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015
• Explosives (Fireworks) Regulations (NI) 2002

Firework retailers

The following are registered firework retailers in Northern Ireland.

Co Antrim

Co Armagh

Co Down

Co Fermanagh

Co Londonderry

Co Tyrone

Fireworks helpline

If you have any further questions about the use of fireworks or how to get a licence, you can contact the Fireworks helpline:

• telephone: 0300 200 7881 (Northern Ireland only)

More useful links

• Accidents and emergencies
• How to deal with minor burns
• Treating burns and scalds