The facts on the EU Fireworks Directive

Unfortunately, John Mizzi (Scrutiny Of Fireworks, September 18) has again got his facts wrong on the directive on Placing on the Market of Pyrotechnical Products:

The directive does not deal with sizes of petards fired. This aspect is regulated by the national legislation of member states.

The directive does not deal with distances required for exhibitions. This aspect is regulated by the national legislation of member states.

The directive does not deal with the regulation of materials used. This aspect is regulated by the national legislation of member states.

The directive does not deal with the enforcement of display rules. This aspect is regulated by the national legislation of member states.

The directive is aimed at setting criteria for commercial fireworks, mostly those small in size commonly known as pyrotechnical toys, which are sold directly to consumers. The agreement reached within the European Parliament acknowledges the fact that legislation targeted at such products should not be extrapolated to non-commercial displays covered by the necessary permits and insurance policies, as in the majority of cases in Malta. Such an extrapolation would have not altered the local scenario but merely increased bureaucracy and costs. The Malta Standards Authority itself had suggested amendments as those approved by the European Parliament. On the other hand all aspects related to commercial pyrotechnical items sold to consumers will have to be implemented in Malta. The same goes for the resulting health and safety requirements.

We do believe that a vast majority of pyrotechnical enthusiasts are law-abiding and responsible people. At the same time, we totally agree that the current rules and regulations should be thoroughly enforced, and even improved upon, by the authorities and we do not excuse their breach by anyone.