1.3G vs 1.4G Fireworks: What's the Difference?

If you've been browsing fireworks online, you've probably spotted "1.3G" and "1.4G" on product listings and wondered what those labels actually mean. Are 1.3G fireworks bigger? Louder? Do you need a licence for them?

What Do 1.3G and 1.4G Actually Mean?

The numbers 1.3G and 1.4G are UN hazard classifications for storage and transport. They describe how a firework behaves in a fire or accident - not how it performs in your garden.

• 1.4G - lower explosive risk during storage and transport. The majority of consumer fireworks fall into this bracket.
• 1.3G - moderate explosive hazard during storage and transport. These fireworks contain more energetic compositions, which generally means louder bangs and more powerful effects.

Both 1.3G and 1.4G fireworks are fully legal for the public to buy and use in the UK. You don't need a licence for either. You simply need to be 18 or over.

The practical difference? 1.3G fireworks tend to be louder and more powerful. That's the short version. But there's an important distinction most websites get wrong, so keep reading.

Classification vs Category - Two Different Things

This is where most people (and quite a few websites) get confused. Classification and category are completely separate systems that measure different things.

Classification (1.3G / 1.4G) is about storage and transport risk - how dangerous the firework is to handle before you light it.

Category (F2 / F3) is about safety distance - how far away your audience needs to stand:

• F2 (Garden fireworks) - 8-metre safety distance
• F3 (Display fireworks) - 25-metre safety distance

Here's the bit that trips people up: a firework's classification doesn't determine its category. You can absolutely have a 1.3G firework that's F2 (garden safe at 8 metres), and you can have a 1.4G firework that's F3 (requiring 25 metres). The two systems work independently.

So when someone tells you "all 1.3G fireworks need 25 metres" - that's not quite right. Always check the category label on the firework itself for the correct safety distance.

Where You'll Really Notice the Difference

In practice, the biggest gap between 1.3G and 1.4G shows up with rockets.

There's no polite way to put this: 1.4G rockets are a bit pathetic. They go up, they pop, and that's about it. A 1.3G rocket, on the other hand, gives you a proper big burst - the kind of effect that makes people go quiet for a second before they start cheering.

That's why the vast majority of our rocket range is 1.3G. Out of around 26 rockets we stock, 22 of them are 1.3G. We tried stocking more 1.4G rockets over the years, but honestly, customers were never impressed enough to come back for them.

With cakes and barrages, the difference is less dramatic. Plenty of excellent 1.4G cakes produce stunning displays with vivid colours, crackling effects, and big spreads. A well-made 1.4G cake can easily outperform a mediocre 1.3G one - it's not as simple as "higher number equals better firework."

Can Anyone Buy 1.3G Fireworks?

Yes. Both 1.3G and 1.4G fireworks are consumer fireworks in the UK, available to anyone aged 18 or over. No licence, no special permit, no paperwork.

The main difference in availability is where you can buy them. Supermarkets and general retailers tend to stock 1.4G fireworks only. For 1.3G products, you'll usually need to visit a specialist fireworks retailer - like us.

That's partly because 1.3G fireworks have stricter transport and storage requirements. They need specialist couriers and proper storage facilities, which most high-street shops simply aren't set up for. It's one of the reasons we use our own specialist delivery drivers rather than standard courier services.

Which Should You Choose?

It depends on what you're after:

Go 1.3G if:

• You want maximum impact and noise — browse our loud fireworks
• Rockets are a key part of your display
• You're after that jaw-dropping "wow" moment
• You have enough space for the safety distances on the products you choose

Stick with 1.4G if:

• You want a brilliant display without the biggest bangs
• Noise levels matter (neighbours, pets, late-night events)
• You're building a display primarily from cakes and barrages, where the gap is smaller

Or mix both - which is what most of our customers do. A display built around 1.4G cakes with a few 1.3G rockets for the big moments gives you the best of both worlds.

The Bottom Line

1.3G and 1.4G are transport classifications, not performance ratings - but in practice, 1.3G fireworks do tend to deliver more power and noise. The difference is most obvious with rockets. Both are legal, both are available to the public, and neither requires a licence.

The category (F2 or F3) on the label tells you your safety distance. The classification (1.3G or 1.4G) gives you a rough idea of the firework's power. Two different systems, two different purposes.

If you want to see what 1.3G rockets actually look like in action, browse our rocket collection - every product has a video so you know exactly what you're getting.

Browse Our Rocket Collection →