Background to consultation

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills is seeking views on the implementation of the Directive on the placing on the market of pyrotechnic article – Directive 2007/23/EC – which is referred to in this consultation document as the “Pyrotechnics Directive” (the Directive). Member States have until 4 January 2010 to make and publish their implementations, which in the UK will be by making regulations.

The Directive aims to harmonise safety standards for pyrotechnics across the EU, but permits Member States to retain existing national prohibitions and restrictions on particular categories of fireworks. We propose to implement using secondary legislation in the form of the attached draft Regulations, the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2009 which will replace the Fireworks Safety Regulations 1997 as amended.

Purpose of consultation

Our proposals reflect discussions held with certain stakeholders. We have sought to identify key concerns and the issues that will need to be addressed. The consultation on the draft Regulations, invites views on the draft itself and also what practical advice users would welcome in the guidance which will accompany the Regulations.

Areas for consultation

In particular, we are seeking views on the retention of the existing age limits for the purchase of fireworks and on the definitions of persons with specialist knowledge.