Table of Contents
Definition and Classification
A pyrotechnic article is officially defined as any article containing explosive substances or an explosive mixture of substances designed to produce heat, light, sound, gas, smoke, or a combination of such effects through self-sustained exothermic chemical reactions.
In practice, these articles are categorised as follows:
Artifices de joie (pyrotechnic articles for entertainment purposes authorized for consumers):
- Fireworks category F1 and category F2 ;
- Theatrical pyrotechnic articles of category T1 1 of the following generic types: non-electrically ignited Bengal fire and non-electrically ignited smoke generators. (Please note: from 27 September 2024 all category T1 pyrotechnic articles are classified as display fireworks).
Artifices de spectacle (pyrotechnic articles for professionals, forbidden for consumer use):
- Fireworks category F3 and category F4
- Theatrical pyrotechnic articles of category T2 as well as theatrical pyrotechnic articles of category T1 that are not listed as “artifices de joie”.
Artifices à usage technique ou de signalisation (technical or signaling pyrotechnic articles):
- other pyrotechnic not classified as “artifices de joie” or “artifices de spectacle” of categories P1 and P2 (e.g., pyrotechnic articles for vehicles such as airbag gas generators or seatbelt pretensioners, nail guns cartridges, etc.)
Market Availability – Minimum Age and Specific Knowledge
Pyrotechnic economic operators, including manufacturers, importers, and distributors, ensure that pyrotechnic articles are made available on the market only to individuals who meet the minimum age requirements and/or possess the necessary specialist knowledge .
Article pyrotechnique | Age minimal | Mise à disposition |
---|---|---|
Category F1 |
12 years 18 years from 27 September 2024 |
Consumers (everybody) |
Category F2 |
16 years 18 years from 27 September 2024 |
Consumers (everybody) |
Category F3 |
|
Individuals with specialist knowledge |
Category F4 |
|
Individuals with specialist knowledge |
Category T1 of the following generic type: non-electrically ignited Bengal fire and non-electrically ignited smoke generators. |
18 years |
Until 27 Spetember 2024: Consumers (everybody) From 27 September 2024: Individuals with specialist knowledge |
Other category T1 |
Individuals with specialist knowledge |
|
Category T2 |
|
Individuals with specialist knowledge |
Category P1 |
18 years |
Consumers (everybody), except for pyrotechnic articles of category P1 that are intended for vehicles and which may only be made available to professionals (Please note: from 27 September 24, bangers, flares and smoke generators of categories P1 mentioned under Article 5, b), from b) to g) of the Royal Decree of 9 February 2024 may only be made available to professionals) |
category P2 |
|
Individuals with specialist knowledge |
Individuals with Specialist Knowledge and Pyro-Pass
Since 24 May 2024, individuals with specialist knowledge must hold a license issued by the authorised representative of the Minister, specifically the Director-General of the Directorate-General for Quality and Safety of the Federal Public Service Economy, SMEs, Self-Employed and Energy. The license follows the model included in Annex of the Royal Decree of 22 April 2024.
This model is called Pyro-Pass, and is a harmonised document used within the Benelux Union (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg). It is valid for a maximum period of 5 years.
Example of a Pyro-Pass document from a test system, without personal information about real individuals:
Holders of a license for pyrotechnic articles of category T2 shall be deemed to be also licensed for pyrotechnic articles of category T1.
Holders of a license for pyrotechnic articles of category F4 shall be deemed to be also licensed for pyrotechnic articles of category F3.
Licenses issued by the administrative authorities of other EU Member States to individuals with specialist knowledge are equivalent to the Pyro-Pass.
For example, a pyrotechnic technician with a French F4T2 license can use it to purchase F3, F4, T1 and T2 fireworks in Belgium.
To apply for a Pyro-Pass, submit the application along with the elements mentioned in Article 2, §3 of the Royal Decree of 22 April 2024, via the form (DOCX, 64.11 KB) to the email address safety@economie.fgov.be.
Obligations of Economic Operators
Economic operators have an obligation to check the age of consumers before handing them pyrotechnic articles.
Economic operators shall only make pyrotechnic articles of category F3, F4, T1 (other than those authorized for sale to consumers), T2, and P2 available on the market to professional users, in particular to individuals with specialist knowledge.
Economic operators may only supply pyrotechnic articles restricted to individuals with specialist knowledge upon presentation of a valid permit.
Economic operators shall consult the register prior to issuing the pyrotechnic article to ensure the permit is still active.
If the license has been issued to an individual with specialist knowledge by the administrative authorities of another EU Member State with a national register of licenses are listed, the economic operator shall consult this register before issuing the pyrotechnic article in order to confirm the license’s validity.
Economic operators shall retain proof that they have checked the license at the disposal of the supervisory officials, the police and the judicial authorities for at least three years after the transfer of the pyrotechnic articles. Such proof shall include at least a copy of the license, the invoice and, where applicable, the transport document.
Checking the Pyro-Pass Online
The check is quick and easy for the seller.
Sellers do not need to log in.
Sellers do not need an account.
The Pyro-Pass contains all the necessary information for the validity check, including a QR code and a save link.
Method 1
Mobile phone verification of the Pyro-Pass QR code
Method 2
Consult the registry and enter the Pyro-Pass number
Possible Results of these Verifications