How Old Do You Have To Be To Buy Fireworks

Fireworks: Age Restrictions and Legal Requirements

Fireworks are a popular item during celebrations, but they are also highly regulated due to their explosive nature. In this article, we will delve into the age restrictions and legal requirements for buying and possessing fireworks in England and Wales. We will also provide a comprehensive FAQ section and a table with additional information.

Age Restrictions for Fireworks

Fireworks are categorized into four categories based on their ‘F’ category, which determines the level of hazard and noise they pose. The age restrictions for these categories are as follows:

F1 Fireworks (Indoor Use – Low Hazard, Low Noise)

• Age Restriction: 16 years old
• Description: These fireworks are designed for indoor use and are considered low-hazard and low-noise. Examples include party poppers and other low-impact items.

F2 Fireworks (Outdoor Use – Confined Areas)

• Age Restriction: 18 years old
• Description: These fireworks are designed for outdoor use in confined areas and are considered medium-hazard and medium-noise. Examples include fireworks used in small, enclosed spaces.

F3 Fireworks (Outdoor Use – Large Open Areas)

• Age Restriction: 18 years old
• Description: These fireworks are designed for outdoor use in large open areas and are considered high-hazard and high-noise. Examples include fireworks used in large, open spaces.

F4 Fireworks (Professional Use)

• Age Restriction: Prohibited for public sale
• Description: These fireworks are designed for professional use only and are considered extremely hazardous and noisy. They are not available for public sale.

Christmas Crackers

• Age Restriction: 12 years old
• Description: Christmas crackers are a special type of firework that must not be supplied to anyone under the age of 12.

Caps for Toy Guns

• Exemption: Caps for toy guns are exempt from fireworks legislation.

Sparklers

• Warning: The labelling on packets of sparklers must carry the words: “Warning: not to be given to children under five years of age.”

Legal Requirements for Fireworks

Supply of Fireworks

• Definition: The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015 define “supply” as making fireworks available on the market. This includes all sales, whether from one business to another or from a business to a consumer, and even if they are given free of charge.

Prohibited Sales

• F2 and F3 Fireworks: The Regulations prohibit the supply of F2 and F3 fireworks to anyone under 18.
• F1 Fireworks: The Regulations prohibit the supply of F1 fireworks to anyone under 16.

Public Display and Possession

• F2 and F3 Fireworks: It is illegal for anyone under 18 to possess F2 and F3 fireworks in a public place.

Display of Notices

• F2 and F3 Fireworks: Where F2 and F3 fireworks are supplied or exposed for supply in any premises, a notice must be displayed in a prominent position in those premises, no less than 420 mm by 297 mm (A3), with letters no less than 16 mm high, giving the following information:
  • IT IS ILLEGAL TO SELL CATEGORY F2 FIREWORKS OR CATEGORY F3 FIREWORKS TO ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 18
  • IT IS ILLEGAL FOR ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 18 TO POSSESS CATEGORY F2 FIREWORKS OR CATEGORY F3 FIREWORKS IN A PUBLIC PLACE

Online Sales

• Verification: When supplying fireworks by distance means, such as online or via a catalogue, an effective system must be set up to verify the age of potential purchasers.

Transport of Fireworks

• Specialist Couriers: Fireworks can only be transported for supply by specialist couriers. Ordinary couriers and Royal Mail will not carry explosives.

Further Information

Storage Licences

• Requirement: Before you are able to supply fireworks at all, you must consider whether you need a storage licence and/or an all-year supply licence.

Specific Time Periods

• F2 and F3 Fireworks: If you do not have an all-year supply licence, you can only supply F2 and F3 fireworks during very specific time periods.

Additional Requirements

• Post-Brexit Changes: Since the UK left the European Union, there are additional requirements you must comply with. You may be classed as an importer into the Great Britain market rather than being a distributor within the EU.

Trading Standards

• Enforcement: For more information on the work of Trading Standards services and the possible consequences of not abiding by the law, please see the Trading Standards section.

FAQ Section

How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Fireworks?

• F1 Fireworks: 16 years old
• F2 and F3 Fireworks: 18 years old
• Christmas Crackers: 12 years old

Can You Sell Fireworks to Anyone Under 18?

• No: It is illegal to sell F2 and F3 fireworks to anyone under 18.

Can You Possess Fireworks in a Public Place if You Are Under 18?

• No: It is illegal for anyone under 18 to possess F2 and F3 fireworks in a public place.

Do You Need a Licence to Sell Fireworks?

• Yes: Before you can supply fireworks, you must consider whether you need a storage licence and/or an all-year supply licence.

Can You Transport Fireworks by Ordinary Couriers?

• No: Fireworks can only be transported for supply by specialist couriers. Ordinary couriers and Royal Mail will not carry explosives.

What Happens if You Don’t Comply with the Law?

• Penalties: Trading Standards services enforce the law, and non-compliance can result in penalties.

Are There Any Exemptions?

• Yes: Caps for toy guns are exempt from fireworks legislation.

What Should You Do if You Are Unsure About the Age Restrictions?

• Consult: If you are unsure about the age restrictions, please consult with Trading Standards services before attempting to supply fireworks.

Table with Additional Information

References

• Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015
• Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS)