At least 39 fireworks products for consumers are unsafe, the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) has announced Tuesday. In a test of 193 risky articles, a fifth was rejected. Often the fireworks went off too early or too late.
“If you light a fuse and nothing happens, what could be more humane than walking to the fireworks to watch,” says a spokesman for the ILT. “It will just happen that it ignites.”
In addition to the rejected fireworks, 26 articles must be adjusted, for example because they smolder or because the label does not comply with the rules. Those fireworks can no longer be sold this New Year, but they can be sold next year. Consumers will be allowed to buy fireworks again from Thursday.
Forbidden fireworks
The ILT annually examines types of fireworks that it expects to be dangerous. This year these included batteries and combinations with single-shot tubes. The Inspectorate cannot say which specific articles are involved.
In 2019, the ILT rejected about 45 products. Since then, various types of fireworks have been completely banned, such as bangers and loose flares. “They can easily be fired at the police,” says the ILT spokesperson.
Because the ILT does not test all fireworks, it is still possible that fireworks are sold that do not meet the requirements. The Inspectorate therefore calls on consumers to handle fireworks responsibly. “The manual is there for a reason. Put on glasses and protect your ears.”