The new Explosives Regulations 2014 (ER 2014) came into force on 1 October 2014.
The main changes to the regulatory framework affecting fireworks include:
• Merging registrations into the licensing system
• Allowing local authorities to issue licences up to 5 years, aligning them with equivalent HSE/police-issued licences
• Exceptions for keeping higher hazard and desensitised explosives without a licence have been updated
• Tables of separation distances have been restructured to better allow for sites with more than one store. The tables have also been revised to cover quantities of explosives greater than 2000kg
• A revised list of explosives that can be acquired or acquired and kept without an explosives certificate from the police.
• The repeal of the Fireworks Act 1951, as its remaining provisions have been superseded by the Pyrotechnic (Safety) Regulations 2010
• MSER 2005 (ACOP – L139) withdrawn
The Explosive Regulations are supported by new guidance:
• L150 - Guidance on Regulations - Safety Provisions
• L151 - Guidance on Regulations - Security Provisions
Key legislation affecting fireworks operations:
• Explosives Act 1875 - amended
• Control of Explosives Regulations 1991 (COER) - revoked
• Placing on the Market and Supervision of Transfers of Explosives Regulations 1993 (POMSTER) - revoked
• Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005 (MSER) - revoked
• Fireworks Act 1951 - repealed
• Fireworks Act 2003 - amended
• CDG 2009 - amended
• Dangerous Substances in Harbour Areas Regulations 1987 - amended