The Mineral Resources Department has announced that fireworks not meeting import specifications or exceeding the import restrictions will be confiscated during container clearance. With Diwali approaching in two weeks, officials from the department, in conjunction with the Department of Trade, are conducting retail inspections.
The inspections will be ongoing across various divisions until November 3. Although the use of fireworks is allowed at specific times throughout the year, usage is typically permitted from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on regular days, with an extension to midnight on Diwali.
The department emphasized that all imported fireworks must pass a thorough vetting process, requiring importers to submit detailed information to the Mineral Resources Department (MRD). Two weeks before Diwali, MRD and Trade Department officers will conduct retail inspections to ensure compliance.
Fireworks classified as prohibited include spherical or cylindrical shells, various types of firecrackers (e.g., woodpeckers, strikers, bangers), aerial fireworks, rockets, and homemade devices like bamboo guns.
The statement clarified that fireworks are powerful pyrotechnic products designated as class 1.3 and 1.4 explosives under the UN Hazard Classification system. Class 1.3 fireworks are intended strictly for public displays by certified operators, while some class 1.4 fireworks can be sold for private use.
The department strongly advises consumers to purchase only permitted fireworks, citing misuse that can lead to potential hazards, including injuries and property damage. Improper use has historically included throwing fireworks at people, animals, and property.
The MRD is tasked with overseeing the types and quality of fireworks sold, while the Trade Department focuses on labeling requirements to ensure compliance with standards.
Permitted fireworks available for public purchase include combination batteries, mines, fountains, sparklers, spinners, low hazard novelties, wheels, and selection packs.
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