Explosives and fireworks

The manufacture, storage, possession, sale, transport and use of explosives are subject to regulations. This is based on the following two legislative texts:

• the law of 28 May 1956 on explosive substances and mixtures and substances and mixtures likely to deflagrate, as well as devices loaded with such substances and mixtures;
• Royal Decree of 23 September 1958 laying down general rules on the manufacture, storage, possession, sales, transport and use of explosives

Reference material:

• Explosives and fireworks terminology: An easy-to-understand vocabulary list for explosives and fireworks. (PDF, 38.37 Kb)

Explosives

Fireworks

According to regulations, products that could be used for their explosive, deflagrating or pyrotechnic properties are classified into the following classes and categories:

• Class A: explosive substances
  • Category 1: black powder
  • Category 2: dynamite and similar explosives;
  • Category 3: smokeless powder
  • Category 4: not easily flammable explosives and similar explosives;
  • Category 5: wetted, diluted, dissolved or suspended nitrocellulose with a nitrogen content exceeding 12.6%;
  • Category 6: wetted, diluted, dissolved or suspended nitrocellulose with a nitrogen content below or equal to 12.6%.
• Class B: ammunition
  • Category 1: detonators, objects and similar ammunition;
  • Category 2: primed ammunition;
  • Category 3: non-primed ammunition;
  • Category 4: phosphorus ammunition;
  • Category 5: detonator fuses;
  • Category 6: safety ammunition.
• Class C: Fireworks
  • Group a: display fireworks and related accessories;
  • Group b: consumer fireworks;
  • Group c: fireworks for technical and/or signalling use.

Explosives

Whether the explosives are used for industrial or for military purposes they must always meet strict safety standards, whose implementation and monitoring is overseen by the Directorate-General Quality and Safety of the FPS Economy, SMEs, Self-employed and Energy.

Consumer fireworks

Consumer fireworks are those authorised for sale to private individuals. In the past, too many accidents were caused by explosives with excessive charge sold freely on the market. Since February 2000, products sold in Belgium have been safer. In 2000, the FPS Economy, SMEs, Self-employed and Energy amended the regulations in this area in order to protect and better inform consumers.

Regulations on the sale and use of consumer fireworks

Essential safety requirements and conformity

Possession and storage

Firework safety

A brief history