The chemical composition and construction of pyrotechnic articles are similar to those of consumer fireworks, but are not intended for use by consumers. The importation, distribution and storage of pyrotechnic articles are generally exempt from ATF explosives regulations if they meet all the criteria set out in 27 CFR 555.11 and 555.141(a)(7). As they contain pyrotechnic compositions classified by the ATF as explosives, the manufacture of pyrotechnic articles for professional purposes requires a manufacturer`s licence issued by the ATF. Illegal explosives associated with fireworks season are inherently dangerous due to their composition and unpredictability. Homemade explosives can pose a particular risk of injury because the people who make them often lack knowledge and experience in making fireworks. Large-scale fireworks are the large fireworks used in shows, usually under the supervision of a qualified pyrotechnician. Fireworks include air grenades, cakes, candles, and other exhibits that meet the definition of “show fireworks” in 27 CFR § 555.11. They are or often contain salvos of firearms that produce flashes of light and/or noisy reports. Fireworks are classified by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) as UN0333, UN0334, or UN0335. The ATF is responsible for regulating explosives, including fireworks, to prevent the mishandling and illegal use of explosive materials.
ATF`s enforcement and investigation programs work closely with industry to ensure the proper storage and security of these items. Some indicators that a device may be an illegal explosive: Most law enforcement agencies consider devices such as M-80s, M-100s, quarter sticks, cherry bombs, silver greetings, etc. to be illegal because they exceed the Consumer Product Safety Commission`s (CPSC) limits for fireworks and are banned by many states. Consumer fireworks are the small fireworks usually sold on stalls around the fourth day of July. The ATF does not regulate the import, distribution, or storage of finished consumer fireworks, but other federal, state, and local agencies regulate these items to varying degrees. Since consumer fireworks contain pyrotechnic compositions that are classified by the ATF as explosives, the manufacture of consumer fireworks requires a federal explosives licence issued by the ATF. Consumer fireworks are the small fireworks usually sold on stalls around the fourth day of July. This includes ground equipment containing less than 50 milligrams of flash powder and antenna devices containing less than 130 milligrams of flash powder.
Since fireworks contain pyrotechnic compositions that are classified by the ATF as explosives, the manufacture of fireworks for commercial purposes requires an ATF manufacturer`s licence. Household fireworks are classified by the DOT as UN0336 or UN0337. Approves the storage of fireworks in solid, unmarked and uncovered containers in powder magazines under certain conditions. These devices do not meet safety standards and often have a coating with hazardous explosive dust. Friction, heat or shock can cause these devices to explode. The U.S. Department of Transportation designated these items as “prohibited explosives” because they were not subject to review and evaluation. The distance tables and related information in 27 CFR sections 555.221 to 555.224 list the distances required: ATF Judgment 2007-2, Temporary Storage in Vehicles, authorizes, under certain conditions, the temporary storage of fireworks in locked and monitored vehicles at magazine and fireworks displays. Requests for deviations, exemptions and findings can be submitted either to your local ATF office or to the Explosives Industry Programs Service.
If industry members can demonstrate good reasons why they need a deviation and meet the standards for improving the tracking, tracing and accountability of large-scale fireworks, as set out in the ATF`s response to the ABA, the TAF will review requests for deviations from certain existing record-keeping requirements. Read the letter from the ATF to the APA. Distance tables can be found in ATF P 5400.7. 27 CFR Part 555 regulations require that any person engaged in the importation, manufacture, trade, receipt or transport of fireworks must first obtain a federal explosives license or permit from the ATF for the specific activity. The ATF does not regulate the import, distribution, or storage of finished consumer fireworks, but other federal, state, and local agencies regulate these items to varying degrees. Before buying a mass-market fireworks, check with your local government and state to make sure they are not banned in your area. Federal explosives regulations require importers to keep records of all imported fireworks for distribution and display labels. In 2008, the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) submitted a proposal to the ATF for alternative recording and identification methods.
