We provide licences to individuals and companies who wish to store up to 2000kg (net weight) of explosives, including fireworks and shotgun cartridges. You cannot sell explosives unless you are licensed.
Apply for or renew an explosives licence
Download, print and complete the Explosives licence application form and return it, along with payment, to: Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, Devon EX2 4QD.
Please read the guidance notes contained in the application form before you submit an application.
Information and guidance on explosives health and safety is available on the Health and Safety Executive website.
Fees
The current fees for a new explosives licence and renewal of an explosives licence are:
- £109 for a new storage licence (one year, up to 250kg net mass)
- £185 for a new storage licence (one year, up to 2,000kg net mass)
- £54 for a renewal storage licence (one year, up to 250kg net mass)
- £86 for a renewal storage licence (one year, up to 2,000kg net mass).
Full details of fees can be found at www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016/253/made.
Fireworks
Fireworks are covered by an explosives licence but they can only be sold during four limited periods in the year:
- 15 October to 10 November.
- 26 December to 31 December.
- On the first day of the Chinese New Year and the three days immediately preceding it.
- On the day of Diwali (Hindu New Year) and the three days immediately preceding it.
If you wish to sell outside of these times you must apply for a separate licence to sell fireworks all year round. This costs £500 per year.
Read our guide to the sale of fireworks, including licensing, categories of fireworks and age restriction.
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