The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism reminds members of the public on the safe and proper use of fireworks as the country approached the 2015 festive season.

Fireworks have been declared dangerous under the Trade Standards and Quality Control Decree 1992. As such, there has been a selective ban on the use of fireworks since 2004.

This selective ban was placed pursuant to Section 32 of the Trade Standards and Quality Control Decree 1992, outlining a list of permitted and non-permitted fireworks that can be supplied and manufactured in Fiji.

Furthermore, in 2005, the Trade Standards (Shop Goods Fireworks Labeling Standard) Order 2005 came into effect, which provided mandatory labelling requirements.

The standard requires that all fireworks sold are labelled with warning, instruction of use and description of principal effects of the fireworks.

The Department of National Trade Measurement and Standards and the Department of Mineral Resources will conduct inspections of retail outlets during this festive season in an effort to ensure compliance with all the relevant requirements. Any trader found in breach of any of the laws can face prosecution and fines of up to $25,000 and/or imprisonment of not exceeding three years and on spot fines of $2000 for any breach of the selective ban and the labelling requirements.

Additionally, pursuant to the Explosives Act 1978, administered by the Mineral Resources Department, traders are required to obtain a licence to import, store and deal in fireworks and a permit to possess fireworks. They are also required to have a valid National Fire Authority Certificate, which is one of the requirements prior to issue of the licence by the Mineral Resources Department.

Furthermore, the Fijian public is requested to adhere to the time limitation that is in place, which is 5pm to 10pm daily and 5pm to midnight on Diwali day only.

In accordance with Mineral Resources Department laws, children under the age of 18 years are not permitted to buy fireworks.

“We would also urge the children to use fireworks under adult supervision as per instructions provided,” the Ministry said in a statement.

“Consumers and retailers are urged to act responsibly when selling or buying fireworks.  Fireworks are explosives not toys and should be handled responsibly and with caution.

“We wish everyone a safe and happy Diwali,” the statement said.