Fireworks licence

All Fireworks licences in South Lanarkshire expire on 30 September. We will not write to remind you that the licence is about to expire. It will be your responsibility to apply if you intend to store/sell fireworks.

All applications for renewals must be received before 30 September or they will be treated as a new application, which has a higher fee.

If you are applying for an explosives licence for the first time, or for new premises, part of the application process will include a police criminal record check by Police Scotland and a fire safety audit by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Please note that once received, we aim to process applications as quickly as possible. However, please do not contact us to chase your application until 28 days have passed since the initial application date.

Due to the increase in seasonal demand, any applications received after 17 September may not be processed until after 5 November.

Also note that to apply for a licence, you must own the premises, or have a current tenancy agreement in place, or another suitable agreement in place, with the premises you intend to store explosives.

Evidence of this will be required as part of the application assessment.

If you intend to store more than 2,000kg of Net Explosive Content (NEC) of fireworks, you must apply for a licence from the Health and Safety Executive.

Failure to hold a licence or comply with the storage requirements can result in prosecution with a fine up to £20,000 and/or a prison sentence.

How to apply

Complete the Application for a Storage Licence and then send your completed application along with your payment by email to business.enquiries@southlanarkshire.gov.uk, or by post to the following address:

Consumer and Trading Standards
Brandon Gate (First Floor)
1 Leechlee Road
Hamilton
ML3 0XB

If paying by cheque, then it must be made payable to ‘South Lanarkshire Council’. Payment can also be made by BACS. Please contact us on 0303 123 1015 or business.enquiries@southlanarkshire.gov.uk for further information. Your application will not be considered unless payment is received with the form.

Note that we cannot accept payment in cash or by debit/credit card at this office.

How much does it cost?

The Health and Safety Executive sets the licence fees.

We routinely receive licence applications for a one-year period. Multiyear licence applications for up to 5 years will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and are not automatic. Please contact us to discuss prior to any application.

Between 5kg and 250kg of fireworks or explosives

Period	New licence 2025-26	Renewal 2025-26
1 year	£119	£59
2 years	£154	£94
3 years	£190	£132
4 years	£226	£166
5 years	£260	£202

Over 250kg of fireworks or explosives

Period	New licence 2025-26	Renewal 2025-26
1 year	£202	£94
2 years	£266	£161
3 years	£333	£226
4 years	£409	£291
5 years	£463	£357

How the application is dealt with

Your application will be checked, and an officer from Trading Standards will visit your premises. Your licence may be refused or revoked for a number of reasons, including if you have previously committed offences or if you or your premises are deemed unsuitable. If your application is unsuccessful a refund of the licence fee will not be provided.

Can anyone object?

No. Consumer and Trading Standards check the application for your storage licence and issue the extract if everything is in order, unless they have concerns.

Firework type and Net Explosive Content (NEC)

HT4 fireworks are the common “consumer” class of fireworks, while HT3 has a higher explosive capacity and may be described as small display fireworks.

The various elements relating to storage are based on the NEC in kilograms. This is the amount of explosive contained in the firework as opposed to the gross weight of the whole firework.

We would advise that all applicants storing fireworks in retail premises limit themselves to HT4 fireworks. Storing HT3 devices is likely to cause significant problems for retailers, as a very small NEC will require the store to be separated by a potentially large distance from other buildings, paths, roads, and so on. If a mix of HT3 and HT4 is stored, the combined amount will be classed as HT3 for the purpose of determining separation distances. If separation distances do apply to an application, the cost of the licence is increased.

The maximum amount of NEC HT4 fireworks that can be stored, without separation distances applying, is 250kg, however, where there are domestic premises adjacent to the store, this will be restricted to 75kg. Please take some time to decide what amount of stock is required and only apply for the amount that is necessary. Remember, you can restock if you sell out.

Storage and signage

You must have the latest version of the statutory notice on display. HSE may change the notice at any time, but your firework supplier should be able to supply the most up-to-date version each year if necessary.

On the whole, storage requirements for fireworks appear well understood and observed, and Trading Standards are happy to provide further advice, where appropriate, during visits. However, there have been various, isolated issues with safe storage, ranging from relatively minor to obviously dangerous. These incidents will be kept on file and taken into consideration when assessing future applications.

Appeal

If we refuse your application, we will tell you why and provide you with information on how you can appeal our decision.

Please note that if we refuse or revoke your application, the fee submitted with your application is non-refundable.

When can fireworks be sold?

Without an all-year supply licence, F2 and F3 fireworks can only be supplied during the following time periods:

from 15 October to 10 November
from 26 December to 31 December
on the first day of the Chinese New Year and the three days immediately preceding it
on the first day of Diwali and the three days immediately preceding it

If you wish to supply F2 and F3 fireworks outside of these periods, then you will need to apply to your local authority for an all-year supply licence and pay a fee of £500.

Storing and selling fireworks safely

Please refer to the following Health and Safety Executive guidance:

In addition, the Scottish Government website has some useful guidance.

Also, the Business Companion guide on Storage and supply of fireworks has been updated to take into account changes in Scotland.

Business enquiries

Phone: 0303 123 1015
Email: Business enquiries