On this December 31, 2024, New Year's Eve, fireworks and other firecrackers are exploding all over the island. Who can buy it? Under what conditions can they be used? What are the risks in the event of non-compliance with the rules? State of the art regulations in Reunion, with details from Bangui Artifice, one of the main suppliers on the island. (Photo: www.imazpress.com)
The marketing of fireworks in Reunion is subject to strict rules. “Sale on public roads is completely prohibited”, immediately reminds the Bangui Artifice company. Only approved businesses can offer these products, in compliance with a prefectural decree.
Each point of sale is limited to a maximum quantity of 150 kilos of active ingredient (powder), for safety reasons. “Almost all stores are restocked regularly so as to never exceed this limit,” specifies the supplier.
The storage of pyrotechnic products is also regulated: fireworks must remain in their original packaging and be stored under strict conditions, far from sources of heat and flammable materials.
– Regular checks to prevent abuse –
To ensure compliance with regulations, checks are carried out each year by the authorities. Bangui Artifice provides state services with a list of supplied businesses, making it possible to identify authorized sellers.
“It happens that seizures are made, particularly from diehards who continue to sell illegally on public roads,” explains the company. Merchants must also keep a record of sales, recording the identity of buyers and the items sold.
However, Bangui Artifice highlights a limitation in this system: “For the moment, pyrotechnic products do not have a traceability number, which makes monitoring difficult in the event of an accident.”
– Who can buy and use fireworks? –
The regulations classify fireworks and firecrackers into four categories, depending on their level of dangerousness and noise pollution. Category F1 brings together fireworks with very low risks, accessible from 12 years old.
Categories F2 and F3 are reserved for adults (18 years and over), due to low to moderate risk. The last category, F4, concerns high risk, exclusively intended for professionals with authorization.
“Categories F1 to F3 are accessible to the general public. On the other hand, mortars classified F4 are prohibited for sale to individuals. They are reserved for pyrotechnic shows carried out by professionals,” specifies Bangui Artifice.
– Where and when can fireworks be set off? –
Fireworks should be used in open areas, away from homes and crowds. It is advisable to check the weather conditions before shooting and to postpone use in case of strong winds.
Prefectural or municipal decrees may also restrict the hours of use and/or prohibit the use of fireworks in certain sensitive places, such as beaches, where incidents have already occurred on Reunion Island, particularly during New Year's Eve. .
– Respect for the environment: a major issue –
In addition to the usual precautions, the environmental impact of fireworks is a growing concern on the island. Bangui Artifice reminds that pyrotechnic residues must be collected and deposited in a recycling center. “Still charged tubes should be submerged in a bucket of water before being packaged and disposed of securely,” the company says.
To limit pollution, the products offered on the market now meet Reach standards, prohibiting the most harmful components. In addition, “the cartridges are made from biodegradable cardboard to minimize their impact on the environment,” explains Bangui Artifice.
– Sanctions in the event of infringement –
Failure to comply with the regulations exposes offenders to sanctions, such as fines for noise pollution or illegal use of pyrotechnic products.
Seizures and confiscations are also frequent during inspections, even if it appears difficult to hunt down bad practices, as there are now so many users of fireworks on the island.
The authorities and professionals, like Bangui Artifice, invite everyone to adopt a responsible attitude during these last days of festivities.
pb/www.imazpress.com / redac@ipreunion. com
Fireworks, Firecrackers, Regulations
