Storage and your obligations.

Storage in the UK is governed by the Explosives Regulations 2014 (commonly known as ER2014 ). The focus of these regulations is the Net Mass of a product, which is the fancy term for how much pyrotechnics the product contains. The term Net Mass is also sometimes called, Powder Weight or NEM (Net Explosive Mass). The Net Mass is not the total weight of the product, it is the weight of the active contents of the product. So for example, an Ice Fountain typically contacts around 7g worth of pyrotechnic composition. So you could store over 700 ice fountains before you would require a storage licence.

The requirement to hold a licence, and the type of licence (there is more than one type) is governed by the Net Mass you intend to store.

If you intend to store less than 5kg Net Mass for resale, then you do NOT require a storage licence. However, you are required to store the product as if you did fall within the scope of a licence. If you intend to store more than 5kg Net Mass, then you must possess a storage licence.

If you intend to only sell Category F1 products, you do NOT need a special all year retail license. If you also intend to sell Category F2 and/or Category F3 items, then you can do this without a special retail license at predefined period of the year. More details can be found by following this link.

So what does this mean?

Well, you should NOT:-

1. Store the items alongside other flammable materials (such as gas, petrol, solvents, thinners, etc.) .
2. Bulk store the items in a location which is easily accessible to the public (such as a cupboard without some form of lock on it).
3. Store the items near electrical equipment or switch gear.
4. Store the items near a potential source of ignition (such as a matches, lighters, gas fires, incandescent heaters, etc.).

So what should you do?

1. You can place the items on a shelf for sale (as long as it is stated on the box that the item is Category F1 Suitable for indoor use).
2. If items are placed on the shelf, you should place them away from other sources of ignition (such as lighters, matches, etc.).
3. It is best practice to place age restricted items in a location where a member of staff can see them (either directly or via CCTV).
4. You must bulk store the items in a location which can NOT be easily accessed by members of the public (a locked room or cabinet which is under the control of the premises owner).

If you are unsure of what you should and shouldn't do, please feel free to contact us on