PSNI Form 31/9 explained

What is Form 31/9?

Form 31/9 is the PSNI's Application for consent to purchase or acquire explosives for purposes other than blasting. It comes from the Explosives Act (Northern Ireland) 1970.

In Northern Ireland, some pyrotechnic products, including some smoke grenades and flares, are classed as explosives. Before they can be supplied to you, the police need to give their consent. Form 31/9 is how you ask for it.

Do I need one?

If a product in our shop needs police consent, it's clearly marked, and checkout asks for the form automatically. If your basket doesn't include one of those products, you won't be asked.

You also need to be 18 or over to buy smoke products from us, and we ask for a photo of your driving licence or passport at checkout.

What does the form ask?

The questions are short. You'll be asked for:

• Your name and home address
• How many of each type you want (for example flares or coloured smoke)
• Who's supplying them (that's us, and we fill this in)
• What they're for, for example a wedding photoshoot or a gender reveal
• Where they'll be kept and where they'll be used
• The name, job and date of birth of the person responsible for keeping them safe
• When you expect to get them
• How they'll be stored
• A declaration that you'll follow the explosives rules

How it works when you buy from us

1. Add to basket. Products that need consent are marked in the shop.
2. Fill in the form at checkout. It's built into our checkout, so there's nothing to print or post.
3. We send it to the PSNI. We forward it to the Explosives Office.
4. Consent is granted. We'll let you know and release your order for collection or delivery.

How long consent takes is up to the PSNI, so order in good time before your event. If consent is refused, or isn't granted within a reasonable time, we cancel the affected items and refund you in full. The full details are in our shop terms.

Tips for a smooth application

• Order early. The official guidance says to apply within 14 days of when you expect to get the products, so plan around your event date.
• Be clear about the purpose, for example "coloured smoke for wedding photos at our venue".
• Give the full address where they'll be kept.
• Make sure the details match your photo ID.

Is this the same as a fireworks licence?

No. A fireworks licence is a separate thing, issued by the Department of Justice for fireworks. nidirect explains when you need one. The smoke products in our shop that need permission are handled through police consent on Form 31/9.