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If you make or store explosives you need to either register or apply for a licence, depending on how much explosive is involved.
Register or licence by weight
Registration allows for smaller quantities of explosives to be stored (up to 250 kg, depending on the hazard type). This weight is the net weight of the explosive inside the item (NEQ), not the gross weight of the item itself.
For more than 250 kg of explosives, more hazardous explosive types and for all manufacturing processes, you need to get a licence. We only issue licences for storage - licences for manufacture are issued by the Health and Safety Executive. Some materials, for example, blasting explosive or black powder, require an explosives certificate and you can get this from Dyfed Powys Police.
Amounts that don't need to be registered
If you store less than 5 kg of explosives that don't need an explosives certificate or less than 15 kg of small arms ammunition, then you don't need to be registered or licensed. Certain exemptions apply to the short term storage of fireworks; please contact Trading Standards for more information.
Storing between 5 kg and 250 kg
If you wish to store between 5 kg and 250 kg (NEQ) you need an explosive registration certificate.
Storing over 250 kg
If you wish to keep between 250 kg and 2,000 kg (NEQ) you need an explosive storage licence. If you wish to store over 2000 kg you will need to contact the Health and Safety Executive. Explosives stored at quarries and similar premises are controlled by the police.
How and when to apply
Registrations and licences are valid for up to 5 years; you will need to pay a fee, depending upon the amount of explosives stored. Different fees apply for renewals and variations or transfers.
You will also need to apply for a separate (additional) fireworks licence if you want to supply fireworks outside the following periods:
the first day of the Chinese New Year and the three days immediately before
the day of Diwali and the three days immediately before
between 15 October and 10 November; or between 26 December and 31 December.
A fireworks licence is valid for one year.
Application forms
You can get an application form from us using the contact details on this page. Please complete the form and return it with the fee to the area licensing office.
You will be charged a fee for a licence or registration.
