Proposals to reform fireworks legislation – NFU responds to consultation
The NFU has submitted a response to the Department for Business and Trade's consultation on proposed changes to fireworks and pyrotechnics legislation in the UK.
Summary
- 7 October 2026: Consultation closes.
- 2 October 2026: NFU submits response to the consultation.
- 16 July 2026: Government launches consultation.
The review focuses on the risk levels and noise impacts of fireworks products when misused by the general public, as well as the distress they can cause to both humans and animals.
Follow this page to keep track of the NFU’s progress on this consultation.
Consultation closes
The consultation has closed.
NFU submits response to government consultation
In its response to the consultation, the NFU has urged the government to introduce specific protections for livestock and rural businesses.
Our response backed lower noise limits for consumer fireworks and the development of quieter alternatives, in a bid to reduce stress and injury risks for livestock.
It called for appropriate enforcement for firework misuse, especially in areas where there are livestock or during periods of dry weather, and for consideration or a requirement for prior notification near farmland.
We also warned of the dangers to crops and farm infrastructure, citing a recent incident in which four acres of standing wheat were destroyed in a fire sparked when a firework landed in a field.
A balanced submission drew a distinction between organised public displays which, while still a potential source of problems are at least promoted ahead of time and allow farm businesses to plan, and unannounced private events.
To get the response in full, visit: Fireworks – NFU calls for stronger protections for livestock and rural businesses
Government launches consultation
Government launches a 12-week consultation into proposed changes to fireworks regulations.
The consultation focuses on the rules regarding fireworks destined for use by the general public. It stresses that professional users, and professional public displays, will be allowed to continue using louder fireworks, as these events are usually well publicised and unlikely to be taking place illegally.
The review of the rules explored:
- Updating the banned list of fireworks by reassessing the risk level of products and reviewing the regulations that classify them.
- Reducing noise impacts, by restricting the availability of noisier fireworks to consumers and reducing the perceived noise of consumer fireworks by approximately 50%.
- The transitional period needed for proposals to be taken forward.
To find out more, visit: GOV.UK | Fireworks and pyrotechnics in the UK