Fireworks
These rules aim to prevent injuries and death from hazards from fireworks. The rule requires that:
- Consumer fireworks have warning labels describing the hazard and function of a fireworks device;
- Fireworks sold to consumers for personal use or for use in or around a household must meet certain construction and performance requirements.
The term “fireworks” is not specifically defined in the CPSC regulations or in the U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”) regulations covering the shipment of fireworks. However, the DOT regulations do classify fireworks into several categories (UN codes) for shipping purposes which can be used to identify fireworks in general:
- UN 0333: Fireworks Class 1.1G, typically large diameter shells or bulk salutes
- UN 0335: Fireworks Class 1.3G, most display fireworks
- UN 0336: Fireworks Class 1.4G/S, consumer or common fireworks
- UN 0431/0432: Fireworks Class 1.4G/S, proximate pyrotechnics (e.g., stage fireworks)
The fact that the product bears a UN code other than UN 0336 or is not classified as a 1.4G/S explosive does not automatically mean the product is not intended for use by consumers, particularly when the product bears cautionary labeling similar to that required for consumer products or is packaged in a colorful, attractive packaging that would appeal to consumers. Fireworks devices that are typically considered commercial fireworks but are purposely sold to consumers would be subject to CPSC’s requirements.
The CPSC has a laboratory facility that analyzes each sample of fireworks devices collected by the CPSC's field investigators. Samples are collected on the docks at ports of entry when they are imported, or from manufacturers, distributors, and retailers throughout the United States
Once a sample arrives at the laboratory, it is submitted to a set of tests both in a laboratory and at an outdoor firing range. The label is examined to determine if it meets the CPSC's label requirements.
If the fireworks device fails any of the tests, it is a banned hazardous substance under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act and cannot be sold in the United States.
CPSC staff has published a fireworks testing manual which outlines how CPSC staff tests fireworks devices.
Powder content requirements limit the amount of pyrotechnic material present in fireworks devices that is designed to produce an audible effect (often called a "report"). The limits minimize the risk of injury from fire/flames, fragments, explosions, and damaging sound to users or bystanders. There are two basic limits:
- 16 C.F.R. § 1500.17(a)(3) limits fireworks devices to 2 grains (130 mg) of pyrotechnic composition intended to product an audible effect. multi-tube shells. Kits and components intended to produce fireworks are also subject to this limit.
- 16 C.F.R. § 1500.17(a)(8) limits firecrackers to 50 mg (0.772 grains) of pyrotechnic composition designed to produce an audible effect. Kits and components intended to produce any banned device also violate the regulations.
Fireworks devices distributed to farmers, ranchers, or growers through a wildlife management program administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, or an equivalent state or local program, are not subject to the limits noted above. Such devices must be distributed in response to a written application describing the problem that requires their use and there must be no other available or adequate means of control. Such devices must be distributed in a quantity no greater than that needed to control the problem.
16 C.F.R. § 1507.11 also limits party poppers to 0.25 grains (16.2 mg) of pyrotechnic composition.
Reloadable tube aerial shell fireworks devices that use shells larger than 1.75 inches in outer diameter are banned hazardous substances per 16 C.F.R. § 1500.17(a)(11).
Yes. All fireworks devices intended or sold to consumers, except for firecrackers, must meet the applicable performance requirements at 16 C.F.R. part 1507. These requirements include:
- Prohibited chemicals
- Fuses
- Bases
- Pyrotechnic leakage
- Burnout and blowout
- Handles and spikes
- Wheel devices
- Toy smoke devices and flitter devices
- Rockets with sticks
- Party poppers
- Multiple-tube fireworks devices
Fireworks devices, including kits and components intended to produce such fireworks, that do not meet the applicable performance requirement are banned hazardous substances per 16 CFR § 1500.17(a)(9).
Cautionary labeling warns consumers of the potential dangers associated with hazardous substances such as fireworks and provides guidelines for safe handling and use. Fireworks are subject to special labeling under 16 CFR § 1500.14(b)(7) depending on the type of device. Fireworks assortments must follow the labeling requirement at 16 CFR § 1500.83(a)(27).
Cautionary labeling for fireworks must meet the prominence, placement, and conspicuousness requirements at 16 CFR § 1500.121. For more information on cautionary labeling, visit our FHSA business guidance page.
Yes. Certain fireworks devices are banned if they look like candy, food, or other banned fireworks devices per 16 C.F.R. §§ 1500.17(a)(8) and 1507.9(b).
Yes. Manufacturers or importers of fireworks must issue a General Certificate of Compliance (GCC). For more information, visit our GCC business guidance page.