Fireworks

Fireworks because they are explosives, are regulated under national and EU legislation and can only be imported into the country under licence and stored and sold in accordance with the explosives law.  Fireworks are categorised into four categories, depending on their hazard and whether they require specialist knowledge to use them.   The least hazardous is  Category 1 and the most hazardous is Category 4.   Since 4 July 2010,  the sale of what's known as Category 1 fireworks (very low hazard) to the general public has been regularised.   While Category 1 fireworks are for sale to the general public,  all other categories are only available for use in organised displays by professional operators.  An  importation licence is however required in the first instance.   For more information please see:

 

Guidance Documents

General Guidance Notes - Explosives Legislation (PDF - 536KB)

General Guidance on Fireworks - Public Information Leaflet (PDF - 418KB) 

Guidance for Importers and Distributors of Category 1 Fireworks (EC Directive on Placing on Market of Pyrotechnics (2007/23/EC) (PDF - 103KB)

Guidance Document on Organised Pyrotechnic Displays (PDF - 606KB)  

 

Application forms for the Import of Fireworks

Form of application for the importation of Category 1 Fireworks (PDF - 36KB) 

Form of Application for a Licence to Import Display Pyrotechnics (MS Word - 103KB) 

 

EU Legislation

Directive 200/23/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 May 2007 on the placing on the market of pyrotechnic Articles 

 

National Legislation

S.I. No 1 of 2010 - European Communities (Placing on the Market of Pyrotechnic Articles) Regulations 2010 (PDF - 1.12MB) 

S.I. No 416 of 2010 - European Communities (Placing on the Market of Pyrotechnic Articles) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (PDF - 105KB) 

 

Safety Warning

Please note the following Safety Warning on the sale and distribution of pyrotechnics for use at private parties and public events:

Safety Warning - Sale and Distribution of Pyrotechnics by Entertainment Organisers (PDF - 22KB) 

 

Storing Explosives

For information on  the storage of pyrotechnics  - See Storing Explosives also.

If any queries please contact Crime 4 Division of the Department of Justice and Equality at tel:- 01 6028388 or e-mail explosives@justice.ie.