South Carolina Statewide Rule

South Carolina Consumer Fireworks Sales and Use Law

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across South Carolina (2026)

Key Facts

Minimum purchase age: 16 (§ 40-56-220)
Licensing authority: Board of Pyrotechnic Safety
Statute: SC Code Title 40, Ch. 56
Local power: Regulate discharge time/place
Sales period: Year-round

Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: South Carolina Legislature

Summary

South Carolina permits year-round sale and use of consumer fireworks to buyers 16 and older. Licensing sits with the State Board of Pyrotechnic Safety under Title 40, Chapter 56. Cities and counties may regulate the time and place of discharge.

(A) All facilities for the manufacturing, sales, or storage of fireworks must comply with regulations established by the board. (B) All consumer fireworks must comply with standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the CPSC for consumer fireworks. The board may request fireworks be tested by a CPSC certified testing group to see that these standards are met. (C) Retail sale and use of small bottle rockets are not legal within South Carolina. (D) Fireworks may not be sold to anyone under the age of sixteen.

Source: South Carolina LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

South Carolina is among the most fireworks-friendly states. Licensing of retailers, wholesalers, and storage is governed by Title 40, Chapter 56, administered by the State Board of Pyrotechnic Safety within the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. (The older Title 23, Chapter 35 fireworks licensing scheme was repealed by 2010 Act No. 196.) Consumer fireworks classified as DOT 1.4G may be sold and possessed, and Section 40-56-220 bars sales to anyone under sixteen; a business license may not be issued to anyone under eighteen. Local governments may not license fireworks themselves but may regulate the time, place, and manner of discharge, including near structures and during burn bans.

Violations & Penalties

Selling fireworks without a Board license or to buyers under sixteen is a misdemeanor. Improper storage or unlicensed sales can also trigger license suspension or revocation by the Board of Pyrotechnic Safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a South Carolina city ban fireworks entirely?

Cities cannot issue or deny fireworks licenses, which are a state Board function, but they may regulate where and when fireworks are discharged, restrict discharge near structures, and enforce noise or burn-ban rules.

How old must I be to buy fireworks in South Carolina?

Sixteen. Section 40-56-220 prohibits selling consumer fireworks to anyone under sixteen. A fireworks business license, separately, may not be issued to anyone under eighteen.

Sources

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