ERMA New Zealand Releases Fireworks Code Of Practice

ERMA New Zealand has released a Code of Practice for Retail Fireworks, making it easier for importers, distributors and retailers to ensure the products they sell are within the rules.

The Code, which was officially notified yesterday (12 April), brings together regulations governing testing, storage, display and sale of fireworks.

ERMA New Zealand Chief Executive Rob Forlong says the Code has been created in response to industry requests for assistance. "The industry wanted clarification of the meaning of some parts of the regulations and wanted guidance on how to implement them. Originally, we were just going to look at testing requirements, but in response to industry feedback we extended the Code to include import, storage, display and sale."

Mr Forlong says the Code covers acceptable levels of noise for fireworks, including specifying that the noise created can only be at the level required to create the desired visual effect. The legislation simply says that fireworks cannot be "principally percussive".

The Code recommends that the amount of flash powder in fireworks be limited to 5 percent of the total explosive, which should assist in making fireworks less noisy and powerful.

Mr Forlong says bringing the requirements for fireworks together into a single Code written in plain English is very useful for the retail fireworks industry. "The Code serves as an easy guide to compliance for importers, distributors and retailers."

More information on the Code of Practice for Retail Fireworks and a copy of the Code itself is available at www.ermanz.govt.nz

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