Fireworks & Pyrotechnics Retail

The retail sale of pyrotechnics is tightly regulated and in some countries banned entirely. Where permitted, the sale of these explosives to children is usually prohibited and there may be additional controls on advanced, stage or theatrical pyrotechnics.

You need to take active steps to prevent young customers from accessing age restricted products. This includes creating an expectation of challenge for ID by displaying appropriate warning signage, being prepared for young customers by training your staff and checking that your age check systems are working.

How can the Age Check Certification Scheme help pyrotechnic suppliers?

We test that age check systems work. We do this through audits, test purchasing and mystery shopping. We also provide the training that you need for your staff and all of the industry standard signage and materials for a professional approach. We can help with age verification policies and if you have an online store, we can test this against PAS 1296:2018.

Why do I have to get this done?

Local laws place obligations on pyrotechnics retailers to take steps to prevent the underage sale of age restricted goods. In some jurisdictions, the retail sale of pyrotechnics is prohibited or subject to limits on the quantities that can be sold and the time of year that they can be sold. The penalties for failing to comply can be substantial including the forced closure of your business. 

What posters and materials do I need to be compliant?

You may be required to display certain posters or warnings in relation to particular products. This is most common for retailers or tobacco and alcohol. Our shop has all of the materials, posters, badges, signs and policies that you need to comply with local laws.

What training do I need for our staff?

As a minimum, you should regularly remind your staff of the rules concerning age restricted goods. However, to be fully protected, you should put your staff through a structured training programme, as a part of when they start work with you. This training programme should be using certified materials and recorded.

How do I get my age check systems tested?

If you want a test purchase carrying out at your store, you can book this through our shop.

If you’ve got a programme of test purchasing activity that you want to discuss with us, then just get in touch. We can provide discounts for programmes of activity. We would be happy to prepare a bespoke proposal for you or to respond to an invitation to tender.

Our test purchasing and mystery shopping services are available in most of the G20 Group of Nations and the European Union.