Press Release: European measures for safer fireworks

As fireworks will soon again light up the skies to celebrate the new year, important steps have been taken to create better safety and more competitive markets as of 2010 for so called pyrotechnic articles. The European Parliament and the Member States have recently agreed upon proposals from the European Commission for a clear set of common rules to enhance safer usage and a true single market for pyrotechnic articles throughout the EU. Fireworks can be a major risk for consumers and injuries can result from the misuse of fireworks, but there is also concern about the quality and safety of some products. Rules governing the sales of pyrotechnic articles vary across Member States. This makes it more difficult to address safety concerns and hampers the activities of manufacturers. The Member States are expected to finally adopt the new Directive on pyrotechnic articles soon.