Display Fireworks

Planning to use fireworks this summer? Always check first with your municipality for any fire bans. Fireworks produce sparks that could cause a fire during hot and dry weather and may be included in the fire ban.

Display fireworks are high-hazard fireworks designed for use by professionals. These include larger items such as aerial shells, cakes, barrages, waterfalls, lances, set pieces and wheels. (Classified under the Explosives Regulations as Type F.2).

Fireworks accessories are explosive articles used to initiate fireworks. (Classified under the Explosives Regulations as Type F.4). Display fireworks and fireworks accessories must be stored separately.

The following guidance is for anyone involved in fireworks. For situations not covered here, including exemptions and conditions, as well as firecrackers, consult the Explosives Regulations.

Buying and using display fireworks

You are permitted to buy and use display fireworks if you have a fireworks operator certificate. You do not require a licence unless you are planning to store more than 100 kg NEQ of display fireworks.

Consult the Display Fireworks Manual for more information on using these fireworks.

However, if you are planning to use firecrackers, you must apply for a specific certificate for this type of fireworks.

Storing display fireworks

Storage requirements for users

Dwelling

You must not store display fireworks in a dwelling (such as a house or apartment).

Storage unit

If you are certified as a display supervisor, you are permitted to store up to 100 kilograms net quantity (the mass of the fireworks excluding the mass of any packaging or container) of display fireworks and up to 500 electric matches in a storage unit. Some local authorities may have more restrictive rules—check with your local authorities. The following requirements must be met:

• The storage unit must be located away from flammable substances and sources of ignition;
• the interior of the storage unit must be kept clean and dry;
• the storage unit must be constructed and maintained to prevent unauthorized access and to protect the contents from weather;
• the storage unit must be attended when it is unlocked;
• if the storage unit is a container, it must not impede exit in case of fire;
• if the storage unit is not a container, all exits must be kept unobstructed;
• any shelving in the storage unit must be made from a non-sparking material (for example, wood or painted metal);
• only type F explosives, other than electric matches, may be stored with display fireworks;
• electric matches must be stored separately from other explosives (for example, on different shelves or separated by a wooden barrier);
• precautions that minimize the likelihood of an ignition or fire in or near the storage unit must be taken; and
• a sign that displays the words “Danger — Fire Hazard/Risque d’incendie” in letters at least 10 cm high and that prohibits smoking using letters, or a symbol, at least 10 cm high must be posted on the storage unit in a clearly visible location.

Explosives licence

You are permitted to store more than 100 kilograms net quantity (the mass of the fireworks excluding the mass of any packaging or container) of display fireworks and more than 500 electric matches if you hold an explosives licence. Apply for an explosives licence through the electronic Licence Management System (eLMS).

Storage requirements for sellers

You are permitted to store and sell display fireworks if you hold a licence for a vendor magazine or a factory. The fireworks must be stored in the magazine specified in your licence. Display fireworks must not be stored in a dwelling or a storage unit.

You may also consult the following guidelines for storing display fireworks in a licensed magazine:

• Guidelines for Storage of Non-Industrial Explosives (PDF, 614 KB)
• Guidelines for Storage Compatibility of Explosives (Type F.2) (PDF, 196 KB)

Selling display fireworks

You are permitted to store and sell display fireworks if you hold a licence for a vendor magazine or a factory. Display fireworks may not be displayed for sale. Apply for an explosives licence through the electronic Licence Management System (eLMS).

Maximum quantities

For buyers who hold an explosives licence, you must not sell more fireworks than the buyer is authorized to store according to their licence.

If the buyer does not hold an explosives licence, you are permitted to sell them the maximum quantity they are authorized to store under the Explosives Regulations: for a Display Supervisor, a maximum of 500 electric matches and 100 kilograms of other fireworks, to be stored in a storage unit.

Record of sale

You must keep a record of every sale of fireworks. The record must be kept for 2 years after the sale. The record must include:

• the buyer’s name and address
• in the case of a sale to a licensed buyer, the number and expiry date of their licence
• in the case of a sale to the holder of a fireworks operator certificate, a copy ofthe certificate and a copy of a local authority’s approval to hold the fireworks display in which the fireworks will be used
• the type and product name of each firework sold and the name of the person who obtained its authorization
• the quantity of fireworks sold under each product name
• the date of the sale

Contact us

Explosives Regulatory Division
National Headquarters
588 Booth Street, 4th Floor
Ottawa ON  K1A 0Y7
Tel.: 1-855-912-0012
Email: ERDmms@nrcan.gc.ca