Fireworks and explosives licence

Part of the application process requires that when you complete your application form, you must confirm that you have read and understood our  guide to the storage and sale of fireworks (PDF) [266KB]

Please note: We will only issue 1 year duration licences to new retailers with no inspection or enforcement history.

If you wish to apply for a longer licence, please note that we will take a proportionate, risk-based approach to your application that recognises the nature of your business and the likely lifetime of the licensed site, for example pop-up shops and freehold retail.

Factors that we will consider:

• new retailer with no inspection or enforcement history - we will consider extending the period of your licence at renewal
• new site where the duty holder can demonstrate robust safety management systems and/or has a good history of compliance at another licensed site - we will expect to grant the licence for the period requested by the applicant (up to the 5 year maximum)
• existing site with a mixed or poor history of compliance (but where the site and person remains fit) - we will consider granting a licence for a short period
• site with history of regularly requiring advice, where minor breaches have been identified at inspection, or that has, for example, a high (relevant) staff turnover - we will consider granting the licence for a period of less than 5 years

If you have any concerns about your application, email tradingstandards@hillingdon.gov.uk for further guidance before you submit your application form.

Prices

The fee will depend on the type of licence and amount of explosives you plan to store.

Licence to store explosives where, by virtue of regulation 27 of and Schedule 5 to the 2014 Regulations, a minimum separation distance of greater than 0 meters is required:

Licence to store explosives where, by virtue of regulation 27 of, and Schedule 5 to, the 2014 Regulations, no minimum separation distance or a 0 meters separation distance is prescribed:

Renewal of licence to store explosives where, by virtue of regulation 27 of, and Schedule 5 to, the 2014 Regulations, a minimum separation distance of greater than 0 meters is prescribed:

Renewal of licence to store explosives where, by virtue of regulation 27 of, and Schedule 5 to, the 2014 Regulations, no minimum separation distance or a 0 meters minimum separation distance is prescribed:

Regulation 16: Varying a licence:

Regulation 17:

What we need to see

Before you start your application, please ensure that you have:

• a valid credit or debit card
• ​the full address of the premises at which you are selling or storing the fireworks or explosives 
• if the store location does not have a postal address (eg a store in a field), please include a map (1:25,000) showing its location.
• a floorplan of the sales area if you plan to store or display more than 12.5 kg (NEM) of fireworks there. You are able to use our  example grid plan (PDF) [335KB]
• the reference number for any previous application (if available)
• planning approval reference number
• relevant planning permission (if applicable)

Read more about the firework and explosives application process (PDF) [93KB]

Apply for a licence to store explosives