Explosives ordinance slightly adjusted
The Federal Council has just amended the Explosives Ordinance. On the one hand, the need for a certificate for specialists has been dropped for the professional use of ready-to-use products. On the other hand, the transitional provisions in the Explosives Ordinance have been extended.
Pyrotechnic articles are used in various sectors, for example on construction sites or in industry. The legal basis for this is provided by the Explosives Ordinancewhich the Federal Council has recently adapted. The ordinance provides for three categories (P1 - P3) of pyrotechnic articles: P1 items pose a low hazard, P3 includes industrial cartridges or casings. P2 category pyrotechnic articles are more powerful and dangerous than the other two categories. Therefore, the use of P2 items requires an identification card and a purchase certificate, which must be obtained by professionals. The market now also offers ready-to-use "pyro products" that do not need to be assembled by professionals, according to the federal announcement. According to the decision from Bern, these ready-to-use products can be used without an ID card in the future. This regulation applies only to the professional use of pyrotechnic articles.
Transition period extended
The manufacture and import of pyrotechnic articles requires a permit from the Federal Office of Police. Corresponding products have required a declaration of conformity since 2010. For older products without a declaration of conformity, there is a transitional provision, which should have ended on July 3, 2017. Since declarations of conformity have not yet been made for certain products, the provision in the explosives ordinance will be extended until Jan. 31, 2021, the Federal Council said.
Source: Federal Department of Justice and Police
