Source: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/1554/made
Timestamp: 2019-09-23 16:44:21
Document Index: 562133587

Matched Legal Cases: ['ART 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'ART 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'ART 4', 'ART 5', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 8', 'art 1', 'art 8', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 4', 'art 5']

The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2010The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2010
1.—(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2010 and, except as provided for in paragraph (2) and (3), come into force on 4th July 2010.
the “1974 Act” means the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974(5);
“the Directive” means Directive 2007/23/EC on the placing on the market of pyrotechnic articles(6);
“harmonised standard” means a European standard adopted by a European standardisation body under a mandate from the European Commission in conformity with the procedures laid down in Directive 98/34/EC(7) and with which compliance is not compulsory;
3.—(1) These Regulations apply to pyrotechnic articles.
(iii)a police force within the meaning of section 3 of the Police (Scotland) Act 1967(8),
(xi)a fire and rescue authority within the meaning of section 1 or a combined authority within the meaning of section 2 or 4 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004(9),
(xii)a fire and rescue authority within the meaning of section 1 or a joint fire and rescue board within the meaning of section 2 or a joint fire board within the meaning of section 5 of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005(10), or
(b)equipment falling within the scope of Council Directive 96/98/EC on marine equipment(11);
(d)percussion caps intended specifically for toys falling within the scope of Council Directive 88/378/EEC concerning the safety of toys(12);
(e)explosives falling within the scope of Council Directive 93/15/EEC on the harmonization of the provisions relating to the placing on the market and supervision of explosives for civil uses(13);
4.—(1) A manufacturer or, where regulation 7(1)(b) applies, an importer must categorise a firework as falling within category 1, 2 or 3 according to—
PART 2Category 1, 2 and 3 fireworks
5. This Part does not apply to category 4 fireworks, theatrical pyrotechnic articles or other pyrotechnic articles.
Safety obligations of manufacturers
6.—(1) No manufacturer or, where regulation 7(1)(b) applies, no importer shall supply a category 1, 2 or 3 firework unless the firework—
Safety obligations of importers
7.—(1) Where a manufacturer of a category 1, 2 or 3 firework is not established within the EU, the importer of the firework shall—
Safety obligations of distributors
8.—(1) A distributor shall act with due care in relation to a category 1, 2 or 3 firework.
Harmonised standards for category 1, 2 or 3 fireworks
9.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), a category 1, 2 or 3 firework which complies with a standard of a Member State which implements a harmonised standard adopted for the purposes of Article 8 of the Directive (harmonised standards) is in conformity with the essential safety requirements set out in Schedule 2 to these Regulations.
10.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), a category 1, 2 or 3 firework which complies with all legally binding measures of a Member State, other than the United Kingdom, which fully implement the Directive is in conformity with Part 2.
(d)the exercise by enforcement authorities or the Secretary of State of powers referred to in, or conferred by, regulations 18 and 19 (market surveillance and enforcement actions), the Act or the General Product Safety Regulations 2005(14); and
11.—(1) For the assessment of conformity of category 1, 2 or 3 fireworks the manufacturer or, where regulation 7(1)(b) applies, the importer shall follow, and comply with the obligations of, one of the following procedures—
12.—(1) After successful completion of a conformity assessment using one of the procedures prescribed by regulation 11, manufacturers or, where regulation 7(1)(b) applies, importers shall visibly, legibly and indelibly affix the CE marking to category 1, 2 and 3 fireworks.
Prohibition on improper use of the CE marking
13.—(1) No person shall affix a CE marking to a category 1, 2 or 3 firework that does not conform to the requirements of these Regulations.
14.—(1) No manufacturer or, where regulation 7(1)(b) applies, no importer shall supply a category 1, 2 or 3 firework unless it is visibly, legibly and indelibly labelled in accordance with this regulation in the official language of the Member State in which the firework is supplied to the consumer.
Prohibition on supply of category 1, 2 or 3 fireworks
15.—(1) No person shall supply a category 2 or 3 firework to any person under the age of eighteen years.
16.—(1) Where paragraph (2) is complied with, nothing in these Regulations prevents the showing and using at trade fairs, exhibitions and demonstrations for the marketing of pyrotechnic articles of a firework which does not comply with Part 2.
Exception for research and development
17.—(1) Where paragraph (2) is complied with, nothing in these Regulations prevents the use or free movement of a firework which does not comply with Part 2 which was manufactured for the purpose of research, development and testing.
18.—(1) It shall be the duty of an enforcement authority to enforce regulation 4(1) and Part 2 within its area.
19.—(1) An enforcement authority under the duty referred to in regulation 18 (market surveillance and enforcement), and the Secretary of State under the power referred to in that regulation, may use any provisions of the Act relating to enforcement to enforce regulation 4(1) and Part 2.
(d)serving a withdrawal notice (within the meaning of regulation 14 of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005(15)).
Requirements regarding prohibitions, restrictions and withdrawals
20.—(1) Any measure taken by an enforcement authority or the Secretary of State under these Regulations which has the effect of prohibiting or restricting the supply or withdrawal from the market of a category 1, 2 or 3 firework must comply with the requirements in paragraph (2).
Prohibitions on supply of certain category 2 or 3 fireworks
21.—(1) No person shall supply a category 2 or 3 firework of the following description—
PART 3Category 4 fireworks, theatrical pyrotechnic articles and other pyrotechnic articles
22. This Part does not apply to category 1, 2 or 3 fireworks and a reference in this Part to a “pyrotechnic article” does not include a reference to a category 1, 2 or 3 firework.
23.—(1) No manufacturer or, where regulation 24(1)(b) applies, no importer shall supply a pyrotechnic article unless the article—
24.—(1) Where a manufacturer of a pyrotechnic article is not established within the EU, the importer of the article shall—
25.—(1) A distributor shall act with due care in relation to a pyrotechnic article.
27.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), a pyrotechnic article which complies with all legally binding measures of a Member State, other than the United Kingdom, which fully implement the Directive is in conformity with Part 3.
28.—(1) For the assessment of conformity of pyrotechnic articles the manufacturer or, where regulation 24(1)(b) applies, the importer shall follow, and comply with the obligations of, one of the following procedures—
29.—(1) After successful completion of a conformity assessment using one of the procedures prescribed by regulation 28, manufacturers, or, where regulation 24(1)(b) applies, importers shall visibly, legibly and indelibly affix the CE marking to pyrotechnic articles.
30.—(1) No person shall affix a CE marking to a pyrotechnic article that does not conform to the requirements of these Regulations.
31.—(1) No manufacturer or, where regulation 24(1)(b) applies, no importer shall supply a pyrotechnic article unless it is visibly, legibly and indelibly labelled in accordance with this regulation in the official language of the Member State in which the pyrotechnic article is supplied to the consumer.
Labelling requirements for pyrotechnic articles for vehicles
32.—(1) No manufacturer or, where regulation 24(1)(b) applies, no importer shall supply a pyrotechnic article for vehicles unless it is labelled in accordance with this regulation.
(4) A safety data sheet completed in accordance with Article 31 of Regulation 1907/2006/EC(16) concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), shall be supplied to professional users—
Prohibition on supply of pyrotechnic articles
33.—(1) No person shall supply a category 4 firework, a category T2 theatrical pyrotechnic article or a category P2 other pyrotechnic article, except to a person with specialist knowledge falling within regulation 42.
34.—(1) Where paragraph (2) is complied with, nothing in these Regulations prevents the showing and using at trade fairs, exhibitions and demonstrations for the marketing of pyrotechnic articles of a pyrotechnic article which does not comply with Part 3.
35.—(1) Where paragraph (2) is complied with, nothing in these Regulations prevents the use or free movement of a pyrotechnic article which does not comply with Part 3 which was manufactured for the purpose of research, development and testing.
36.—(1) It shall be the duty—
37.—(1) For the purposes of the enforcement of regulation 4(3) and Part 3 by the Health and Safety Executive, Schedule 4 shall have effect.
38.—(1) Any measure taken by the Health and Safety Executive or an enforcement authority under these Regulations which has the effect of prohibiting or restricting the supply or withdrawal from the market of a pyrotechnic article must comply with the requirements in paragraph (2).
39.—(1) A person who contravenes or fails to comply with regulations 23(1) (safety obligations of manufacturers), 24(1) (safety obligations of importers), 29(1) and (2) (obligation to affix CE marking), 30(1) and (2) (prohibition on improper use), 31(1) and (2) (general labelling requirement), 32(1) (labelling requirement for pyrotechnic articles for vehicles), 33(1) and (2) (prohibition on supply of pyrotechnic articles), 46(4) and 47(4) (prohibition on supply outside of the United Kingdom) is guilty of an offence.
40.—(1) Subject to the following provisions of this regulation, in proceedings for an offence under Part 3 or paragraph 6 of Schedule 4, a person who is shown to have taken all reasonable steps and exercised all due diligence to avoid committing the offence shall have a defence.
41.—(1) Where the commission by a person of an offence under Part 3 or paragraph 6 of Schedule 4 is due to anything which another person did or failed to do in the course of business, that other person shall be guilty of the offence and may be proceeded against and punished, whether or not proceedings are taken against the first person.
PART 4Conformity assessment etc.
Process of appointment and notification of notified bodies etc.
43.—(1) The Secretary of State may appoint, for the purposes of carrying out the conformity assessment procedures referred to in regulations 11 and 28, any corporate or other body as a body which is to carry out those procedures and any other tasks.
Supplementary matters in relation to notified bodies
44.—(1) Subject to the terms of appointment under regulation 43 and paragraph 2 a UK notified body shall carry out the functions of a notified body specified in the relevant modules of Annex II to the Directive as amended from time to time.
PART 5Proceedings, transition and revocations, etc.
45.—(1) In England and Wales a magistrates’ court may try an information in respect of an offence under section 12 of the Act arising from a contravention of these Regulations if the information is laid within twelve months from the time when the offence was committed.
Transitional provisions in relation to category 1, 2 or 3 fireworks
46.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2), (3) and (4), nothing in regulation 4(1), (2) or Part 2 of these Regulations prevents the supply in a part of the United Kingdom of a category 1, 2 or 3 firework that it is lawful to supply in that part of the United Kingdom immediately before 4th July 2010.
(5) A category 1, 2 or 3 firework that falls within paragraph (1) benefits from that provision whether it is classified for the purposes of, as the case may be, the Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations 1983(17) or the Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1991(18), before or after 4th July 2010.
Transitional provisions in relation to category 4 fireworks, theatrical pyrotechnic articles and other pyrotechnic articles
47.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2), (3) and (4), nothing in regulation 4(1), (2) or Part 3 of these Regulations prevents the supply in a part of the United Kingdom of a category 4 firework, a theatrical pyrotechnic article and an other pyrotechnic article that it was lawful to supply in that part of the United Kingdom immediately before 4th July 2013.
48. Subject to regulation 36(2), notwithstanding that they are made partly or wholly in exercise of powers other than those conferred by section 11 of the Act, these Regulations (except for regulations 39, 40 and 41) shall be regarded as safety regulations as defined in the Act for purposes relating to enforcement by an enforcement authority or the Secretary of State (whether by criminal proceedings, notices or otherwise), and any provision of these Regulations made under those other powers shall be regarded for those purposes as a safety provision as defined in the Act.
Repeals, revocations, amendments and savings
49.—(1) In section 31 of the Explosives Act 1875(19)(penalty for sale of gunpowder to children), which becomes subsection (1) of that section, at the end insert—
(2) Subject to paragraph (13), sections 5 and 6 of, and the Schedule to, the Fireworks Act 1951(20) (marking of fireworks, etc.) are repealed.
(3) Subject to paragraph (13), the Fireworks Act 1964(21) (exemption of fireworks for export from marking requirements) is repealed.
(6) Subject to paragraphs (12) and (13), the Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997(22) are revoked.
(7) Subject to paragraphs (12) and (13), the Fireworks (Safety)(Amendment) Regulations 2004(23) are revoked.
(8) Subject to paragraph (13), in the Enterprise Act 2002 (Part 8 Domestic Infringements) Order 2003(24), in Part 1 of the Schedule—
(9) Subject to paragraph (13), in the Enterprise Act 2002 (Part 8 Notice to OFT of Intended Prosecution Specified Enactments, Revocation and Transitional Provision) Order 2003(25) in the Schedule—
(10) Subject to paragraph (13), in the Fireworks Regulations 2004(26)—
(11) Subject to paragraph (12) and (13), the provisions of the Explosives (Fireworks) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002(27) set out in Schedule 5 are, as the case may be, amended or revoked.
SCHEDULE 1Categories of pyrotechnic articles
1. In relation to fireworks—
(a)category 1 is a category of fireworks which present a very low hazard and negligible noise level and which are intended for use in confined areas, including fireworks which are intended for use inside domestic buildings;
(b)category 2 is a category of fireworks which present a low hazard and low noise level and which are intended for outdoor use in confined areas;
(c)category 3 is a category of fireworks which present a medium hazard, which are intended for outdoor use in large open areas and whose noise level is not harmful to human health;
(d)category 4 is a category of fireworks which present a high hazard, which are intended for use only by persons with specialist knowledge (commonly known as fireworks for professional use) and whose noise level is not harmful to human health.
2. In relation to theatrical pyrotechnic articles—
(a)category T1 is a category of pyrotechnic articles for stage use which present a low hazard;
(b)category T2 is a category of pyrotechnic articles for stage use which are intended for use only by persons with specialist knowledge.
3. In relation to other pyrotechnic articles—
(a)category P1 is a category of pyrotechnic articles, other than fireworks and theatrical pyrotechnic articles, which present a low hazard;
(b)category P2 is a category of pyrotechnic articles, other than fireworks and theatrical pyrotechnic articles, which are intended for handling or use only by persons with specialist knowledge.
Regulation 6 and 23
1.—(1) Each pyrotechnic article must attain the performance characteristics specified by the manufacturer to the UK notified body or a body notified to the European Commission under Article 10 of the Directive in order to ensure maximum safety and reliability.
Each pyrotechnic article must be tested under realistic conditions. If this is not possible in a laboratory, the tests must be carried out under the conditions in which the pyrotechnic article is to be used.
The following information and properties, where applicable, must be considered or tested:
(f)resistance to low and high temperatures, where the pyrotechnic article is intended to be kept or used at such temperatures and its safety or reliability may be adversely affected by cooling or heating of a component or of the pyrotechnic article as a whole;
(h)suitable instructions and, where necessary, markings in respect of safe handling, storage, use (including safety distances) and disposal in the official language or languages of the recipient Member State;
(4) Pyrotechnic articles must not contain—
(a)commercial blasting agents, except for black powder or flash composition;
(b)military explosives.
(5) The various groups of pyrotechnic articles must at least also comply with the following requirements.
2.—(1) The manufacturer or, where regulation 7(1)(b) or regulation 24(1)(b) applies, the importer must assign fireworks to different categories according to, as the case may be, regulation 4(1) or 4(3) characterised by net explosive content, safety distances, noise level, or similar. The category must be clearly indicated on the label.
(2) For category 1 fireworks, the following conditions must be met—
(a)the safety distance must be at least 1 metre. However, where appropriate, the safety distance may be less;
(b)the maximum noise level must not exceed 120 dB (A, imp), or an equivalent noise level as measured by another appropriate method, at the safety distance;
(c)category 1 must not comprise bangers, banger batteries, flash bangers and flash banger batteries;
(d)throwdowns in category 1 must not contain more than 2.5 mg of silver fulminate.
(3) For category 2 fireworks, the following conditions must be met—
(a)the safety distance must be at least 8 metres. However, where appropriate, the safety distance may be less;
(b)the maximum noise level must not exceed 120 dB (A, imp), or an equivalent noise level as measured by another appropriate method, at the safety distance.
(4) For category 3 fireworks, the following conditions must be met—
(a)the safety distance must be at least 15 metres. However, where appropriate the safety distance may be less;
(8) Fireworks of category 1, 2 and 3 must be protected against inadvertent ignition either by a protective cover, by the packaging, or by the construction of the article. Fireworks of category 4 must be protected against inadvertent ignition by methods specified by the manufacturer.
(4) Where appropriate, the pyrotechnic article must function properly until the ‘use by’ date specified by the manufacturer.
(6) The electrical characteristics (for example, no-fire current, resistance) of electric igniters must be provided with the article.
SCHEDULE 3Definitions of fireworks in regulation 21
For the purposes of regulation 21 the following expressions mean—
“banger” means a firework (other than a firework falling within regulation 21(1)(g)(i)(type of shot tube))—
“combination” means an assembly, other than a battery, which includes two or more fireworks;
“double banger” means a firework (other than a firework falling within regulation 21(1)(g)(i)(type of shot tube))—
whose functioning principally involves one report, followed by ascent and a further report;
“flash banger” means a firework (other than a firework falling within regulation 21(1)(g)(i)(type of shot tube))—
“mini-rocket” means a firework which is designed so that, on functioning, it propels itself into the air and which comprises a body or motor—
where the firework is intended to be supplied singly, whose overall length (including the length of any such sticks) is less than 900 millimetres or (not including the length of any such sticks) is less than 195 millimetres; or
where the firework is intended to be supplied in a selection pack, whose overall length (including the length or any such stick or sticks) is less than 300 millimetres; or
“primary pack” means a package of fireworks of the same type, all of which are either category 1, 2 or 3 fireworks, which is intended to be offered for retail sale as a single unit;
“shot tube” means a tube containing propellant charge and a pyrotechnic unit, with or without a transmitting fuse, the principal effect of which is the ejection of the pyrotechnic unit producing a visual and/or aural effect in the air;
Regulation 18 and 37
SCHEDULE 4Enforcement powers under Part 3
1.—(1) In relation to the enforcement of regulation 4(3) and of Part 3 by the Health and Safety Executive—
(a)sections 19 to 28, 33 to 35, 38, 39, 41 and 42 of the 1974 Act shall apply as modified by paragraph 2; and
(b)sections 36(1) and (2) and 37 of that Act shall apply in relation to offences under section 33 as modified by paragraph 2.
(2) The application of section 33 (and Schedule 3A) by paragraph (1) is subject to a penalty on summary conviction being no more than 3 months’ imprisonment or a fine of level 5 on the standard scale.
3.—(1) Subject to regulation 36(6) (presumption of conformity for CE marked articles) and 38 (requirements regarding prohibitions, restrictions and withdrawals), where the Health and Safety Executive or the Secretary of State, as the case may be, believes a pyrotechnic article—
(a)in relation to which a manufacturer or, where regulation 24(1)(b) applies, an importer contravenes regulation 4(3) (categorisation) or in relation to which regulation 4(4) is contravened, or
(b)falling within Part 3 of the regulations,
is liable to endanger the health and safety of persons the Health and Safety Executive or the Secretary of State may serve a notice (“a withdrawal notice”) requiring the person on whom it is served to take measures aimed at preventing a pyrotechnic article in the supply chain from being supplied, without its consent.
(2) A withdrawal notice may require the person on whom it is served to take action to alert consumers to the risks that the pyrotechnic article presents.
(3) A withdrawal notice may require the person on whom it is served to keep the Health and Safety Executive or the Secretary of State informed of the whereabouts of any pyrotechnic article referred to in the notice in which the person on whom it is served has an interest.
(4) A consent given by the Health and Safety Executive or the Secretary of State for the purposes of paragraph (1) may impose such conditions on the supply of a pyrotechnic article for which the consent is required as the Health and Safety Executive or the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
Supplementary provisions relating to withdrawal notices
4.—(1) A withdrawal notice shall have effect throughout the United Kingdom.
(2) Where the Health and Safety Executive or the Secretary of State serves a withdrawal notice in respect of a pyrotechnic article, the Health and Safety Executive or the Secretary of State shall be liable to pay compensation to a person having an interest in the article in respect of any loss or damage suffered by reason of the notice if—
(a)the pyrotechnic article was not an article which contravened regulation 4(3), (4) or a provision in Part 3 of these Regulations nor an article which was liable to endanger the health and safety of persons; and
(b)the exercise by the Health and Safety Executive or the Secretary of State of the power to serve the withdrawal notice was not attributable to any neglect or default by that person.
(3) Subject to regulation 36(6) (presumption of conformity for CE marked articles) and 38 (requirements regarding prohibitions, restrictions and withdrawals), the Health and Safety Executive or the Secretary of State may revoke a withdrawal notice which that person has served.
(4) Subject to regulation 36(6) (presumption of conformity for CE marked articles) and 38 (requirements regarding prohibitions, restrictions and withdrawals), the Health and Safety Executive or the Secretary of State may vary a withdrawal notice which that person has served, provided it is not made more restrictive for the person on whom it is served or more onerous for that person to comply with.
(5) Where the conditions for serving a withdrawal notice are satisfied and either—
(a)the Health and Safety Executive or the Secretary of State, as the case may be, has been unable to identify any person on whom to serve such a notice; or
(b)the person on whom such a notice has been served has failed to comply with it,
(c)then the Health and Safety Executive or the Secretary of State may instead take such action as could have been required by a withdrawal notice.
(6) Where the Health and Safety Executive or the Secretary of State has exercised powers under paragraph (5) to take action following the failure of the person on whom the withdrawal notice has been served to comply with that notice, the Health and Safety Executive or the Secretary of State may if considered appropriate recover from that person summarily as a civil debt, any costs or expenses reasonably incurred by the Health and Safety Executive or the Secretary of State in undertaking the action under paragraph (5).
(7) A civil debt recoverable under the preceding paragraph may be recovered—
(i)in England and Wales by way of complaint (pursuant to section 58 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980(28),
(ii)in Northern Ireland in proceedings under Article 62 of the Magistrate’s Court (Northern Ireland) Order 1981(29).
Appeals against withdrawal notices
5.—(1) A person on whom a withdrawal notice has been served and a person having an interest in a pyrotechnic article in respect of which a withdrawal notice has been served may, before the end of the period of 21 days beginning with the day on which the notice was served, apply for an order to vary or set aside the terms of the notice.
(2) On an application under paragraph (1) the appropriate court shall make an order setting aside the notice only if satisfied that—
(a)the pyrotechnic article was not an article liable to endanger the health and safety of persons, or
(b)where applicable, regulation 38(1) (requirements regarding prohibitions etc) has not been complied with by, as the case may be, the Health and Safety Executive or the Secretary of State.
(3) On an application to vary the terms of a notice the appropriate court may vary the requirements specified in the notice as it considers appropriate.
(4) The appropriate court for the purposes of this paragraph is—
(a)the court in England and Wales or Northern Ireland in which proceedings have been brought in relation to the pyrotechnic article for—
(i)contravention of a provision of these Regulations;
(ii)an offence imposed by these Regulations;
(b)the employment tribunal seized of appeal proceedings against a notice which relates to the pyrotechnic article and which has been served under or by virtue of paragraph 1 of Schedule 4; or
(c)in any other case, a magistrates’ court in England and Wales or Northern Ireland, or in Scotland a sheriff for any sheriff court district in which a withdrawal notice has been served on a person.
(5) A person aggrieved by an order made pursuant to an application under paragraph (1) by a magistrates’ court in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, or by a decision of such a court not to make such an order, may appeal against that order or decision—
(6) A person aggrieved by an order made by an employment tribunal pursuant to an application under paragraph (1) or by a decision of an employment tribunal not to make such an order, may—
(a)appeal against that order or decision in England and Wales to the High Court on a point of law in accordance with section 11(1) of the Tribunals and Inquiries Act 1992(30);
(b)seek review of the order or decision by the employment tribunal in accordance with Rules 34 to 36 of the Employment Tribunal Rules.
(7) For the purposes of this paragraph, “Employment Tribunal Rules” means the rules set out in Schedule 1 to the Employment Tribunals (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) Regulations 2004(31), as modified by the provisions of Schedule 4 to those Regulations.
Offence of contravening a withdrawal notice
6.—(1) A person who contravenes a withdrawal notice is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to—
(b)a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
Regulation 49(11)
SCHEDULE 5Revocations and amendments of provisions of the Explosives (Fireworks) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002
Revocations and amendments to the Explosives (Fireworks) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002
1. The Explosives (Fireworks) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002(32) are revoked or amended as provided in this Schedule.
2.—(1) In regulation 2 (interpretation), the following definitions are omitted—
(a)“air bomb”;
(b)“another member State”;
(c)“assembly”;
(d)“aural effect”;
(e)“banger”;
(f)“BS7114”;
(g)“category 4 firework”;
(h)“competent authority”;
(i)“firework of erratic flight”;
(j)“mini-rocket”; and
(k)“visual effect”.
(2) In regulation 4 (prohibition on possession, purchase, sale, acquisition, handling or use for fireworks), paragraph (2) is omitted.
(3) Regulation 5 (exemption for special effects purposes) is omitted.
(4) Regulation 8 (labelling requirements) is omitted.
(5) In regulation 9 (fireworks exempt from prohibition)—
(a)paragraph (a) from “or their equivalents” to the end is omitted;
(6) In regulation 13 (offences) “, 8” is omitted.
3.—(1) In regulation 2, for the definition of “category 1 firework” substitute—
““category 1 firework” means a firework falling within the description in paragraph 1(a) of Schedule 1 to the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2010.”.
(2) In regulation 2, for the definition of “category 2 firework” substitute—
““category 2 firework” means a firework falling within the description in paragraph 1(b) of Schedule 1 to the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2010;
“category 3 firework” means a firework falling within the description in paragraph 1(c) of Schedule 1 to the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2010.”.
(3) In regulation 2, for the definition of “firework” substitute—
““firework” has the meaning given in regulation 2 of the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2010.”.
(a)it becomes paragraph (1) of regulation 9;
(b)after paragraph (1) is inserted
“(2) In paragraph (1), “classified” has the meaning assigned to it by the Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1991.”.(33)
(5) In regulation 11, in paragraph (1) for the words “It is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 16” substitute “It is illegal to sell category 1 fireworks to anyone under the age of 16 and category 2 and 3 fireworks to anyone under the age of 18”.
(6) For Schedule 1 (fireworks exempt from the provisions of regulation 4(1)) substitute—
“1. Category 1 fireworks.
2. Sparklers in category 2.”.
(7) For Schedule 2 (fireworks to which the provisions of section 1(1) and (2) of the Explosives Act (Northern Ireland) 1970 do not apply) substitute (leaving the title of the Schedule unchanged)—
2. Category 2 fireworks if the total weight of fireworks does not exceed 900 kilograms.
3. Fireworks which comply with the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2010.”.
These Regulations implement the Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the placing on the market of pyrotechnic articles, Directive 2007/23 (OJ L154, 14.06.2007, page 1)(“the Directive”). The Directive sets out harmonised provisions for placing pyrotechnic articles, including fireworks and more specialised articles like gas generators used in car airbags, on the market to guarantee free movement of such articles, whilst ensuring a high level of protection of human health and safety and the protection of consumers and professional end users.
Part 2 deals with category 1, 2 and 3 fireworks (categories are set out in Schedule 1 to Regulations). Regulations 6 to 8 deal with the obligations of manufacturers, importers and distributors. Regulation 9 provides that a firework which complies with a harmonised standard adopted for the purposes of the Directive complies with the essential safety requirements of the Directive which are set out in Schedule 2 to the Regulations. Regulation 10 sets out that a firework that complies with all the legally binding measures of another EU Member State which fully implement the Directive complies with UK law, subject to certain exceptions including the need to comply with the UK age limits and prohibitions set out in regulations 15 and 21. Regulations 11 to 14 set out the procedure for ensuring fireworks are properly tested, are marked to demonstrate that fact and are labelled appropriately. Regulation 15 prohibits the supply of category 2 and 3 fireworks to persons under the age of 18 and the supply of category 1 fireworks to persons under the age of 16. Regulation 18 to 20 deal with enforcement responsibilities. The primary enforcing authorities for Part 2 will be weights and measures authorities in Great Britain and district councils in Northern Ireland. The Secretary of State also has a power to enforce this Part. These enforcing authorities are able to use the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 1987 to enforce the Regulations, in addition the Regulations provide additional powers where necessary. Regulation 21 provides specific prohibitions on the supply of particular category 2 and 3 fireworks in the United Kingdom (the definition of the fireworks are set out in Schedule 3).
Part 3 deals with category 4 fireworks, theatrical pyrotechnic articles and other pyrotechnic articles. Part 3 follows the same scheme as Part 2. Regulation 33 sets out prohibitions on supply of category 4 fireworks and category T2 theatrical pyrotechnic articles and P2 other pyrotechnic articles to persons other than persons with specialist knowledge. Category T1 and P1 pyrotechnic articles cannot be supplied to persons under 18 years of age. Regulations 36 to 38 deal with enforcement responsibilities, in this case the primary enforcement authorities are the Health and Safety Executive in Great Britain and the Secretary of State in Northern Ireland (the Health and Safety Executive’s enforcement powers are set out in Schedule 4 and the Secretary of State’s enforcement powers are mainly set out in the Consumer Protection Act 1987). Weights and measures authorities and district councils in Northern Ireland also have powers to enforce this Part. Regulations 39 to 41 make contravention of specified regulations in Part 3 criminal offences, provide for defences and deal with liability of other persons. Regulation 42 defines who are persons with specialist knowledge.
Part 4 deals with the appointment of bodies that will perform independent checks on conformity assessment of pyrotechnic articles.
Part 5 includes repeals, revocations, transitional and savings provisions (Schedule 5 contains revocations and amendments of Northern Ireland legislation). Regulations 46 and 47 provide for transitional provisions as permitted by Article 21(5) of the Directive. Pyrotechnic articles which take advantage of the transitional provision (where they do not comply with the requirements of the Regulations) must comply with the law existing immediately before 4th July 2010 (or 2013 as the case may be), by virtue of the saving provision in regulation 49(12). Regulation 49(1) makes an amendment to section 31 of the Explosives Act 1875 to exclude from the prohibition on supply of gunpowder to young persons, pyrotechnic articles covered by the Directive (plus percussion caps for toys). Section 39 of that Act applies the same prohibition to other explosives (including fireworks) and therefore the new exclusion from section 31 also applies to section 39.
These Regulations were notified in draft to the European Commission in accordance with Directive 98/34/EC (OJ No. L204, 21.07.98, page 37) which lays down the procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations. Minor amendments have been made to the Regulations since that notification.
A transposition note and a Regulatory Impact Assessment of the effect that this instrument will have on the costs to business and the voluntary sector are available from the BIS website (www.bis.gov.uk). They are also annexed to the Explanatory Memorandum which is available alongside the instrument on the OPSI website (www.opsi.gov.uk). Copies have also been placed in the Libraries of both Houses of Parliament.
OJ L154, 14.06.2007, p.1.
OJ L24, 24.7.1998, p.37, as amended by Directive 98/48/EC (L217, 5.8.1998, p.18) and Directive 2006/96/EC (L363, 20.12.2006, p.81).
c.77. Section 3 was substituted by the Police and Magistrates’ Courts Act 1994, section 47(1); subsections (3) and (4) were inserted by the Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2006, (2006 asp 10), section 48.
c.21. Section 1 was amended by the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, Schedule 2, paragraph 10(1) and (2).
OJ No L046, 17.02.97, p.25.
OJ No L187, 16.7.1988, p.1.
OJ No L121, 15.05.93. p.20.
OJ No L396, 30.12.2006, p1.
S.I. 1983/1140; as amended by S.I. 2004/568, 2007/1573, there are other amendments which are not relevant.
S.R. (N.I.) 1991 No 516; as amended by S.R. (N.I.) 2006 No 182 and 2006 No 425.
1875 c.17.
1951 c.58.
1964 c.23.
S.I. 1997/2294; as amended by S.I. 2004/1372.
S.I. 2004/1372.
S.I. 2003/1593; as amended by S.I. 2008/1277.
S.I. 2003/1376; as amended by S.I. 2004/2095, 2008/1277 and 2008/2095.
S.I. 2004/1836, as amended by S.I. 2004/3262.
S.R. (N.I.) 2002 No 147.
SI 1675/1981 (N.I. 26).
1992 c.53. There are amendments to this section which are not relevant.
S.I. 2004/1861, as amended by the Constitutional Reform Act (c.4) and by the following S.I.s: 2004/2351, 2005/435, 2005/1865, 2007/2142, 2007/2602, 2008/2683, 2008/3240 and 2010/131.
S.R. (N.I.) 1991 No 516.