Pyrotechnics: Transition period is extended
In Switzerland, all pyrotechnic articles must be tested before sale. For certain categories, a transitional period until January 31, 2021, has been set to allow stocks to still be sold without a declaration of conformity. Since the stocks cannot be reduced by this date, the Federal Council has extended the deadline by two years.
All pyrotechnic articles must be tested in Switzerland for certain requirements and specifications. This serves to ensure safety when handling pyrotechnics. Once the test has been carried out, a declaration of conformity is issued by an accredited test center and the article can be sold.
No increased safety risk
This regulation also applies to pyrotechnic articles in categories T (e.g. theatrical fountains, theatrical flashes), P (e.g. smoke and lighting devices) and F4 (fireworks for professional use). For these categories, a transition period was granted until January 31, 2021, during which distributors can still sell their stocks without a declaration of conformity. These stocks have already been checked for conformity in the course of importation and therefore do not pose an increased safety risk.
Due to fireworks bans in summer 2018 and Corona-related event bans in 2020, stocks of these categories could not be reduced as expected. At the request of the Swiss Fireworks Coordination Office (SFK), the Federal Council is therefore extending the transitional period for sales without a declaration of conformity by two years, as it has just announced.
Source: Confederation
The explosives ordinance can be found here.
