Fireworks
Federal explosives regulations generally exempt the importation, distribution, and storage of items classified as UN0431 or UN0432 explosives―by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) at 49 CFR 172.101―and generally known as “articles pyrotechnic.” However, not all items classified by DOT as articles pyrotechnic are exempt from ATF regulations. To be exempt, the items must meet all criteria found in the definition for “articles pyrotechnic” at 27 CFR 555.11, “Pyrotechnic devices for professional use similar to consumer fireworks in chemical composition and construction but not intended for consumer use. Such articles meeting the weight limits for consumer fireworks but not labeled as such and classified by U.S. Department of Transportation regulations in 49 CFR 172.101 as UN0431 or UN0432.” In evaluating whether a particular device is exempt under 27 CFR 555.141(a)(7), ATF considers, in part, the intended use and function of the device, net explosive weight, chemical composition, and construction.
Because they contain pyrotechnic compositions classed by ATF as explosive materials, the manufacture of items defined as “articles pyrotechnic” requires an ATF manufacturer’s license. In addition, pyrotechnic compositions used in the manufacture of articles pyrotechnic must be stored in accordance with regulations in 27 CFR Subpart K. The [27 CFR 555.11: definitions of “articles pyrotechnic” and “consumer fireworks”, 555.141(a)(7)]
Display fireworks, with the exception of bulk salutes, are considered low explosives and, at a minimum, must be stored in type 4 storage magazines. They may also be stored in type 1 or type 2 magazines. Bulk salutes, which are defined as either salute components prior to final assembly into aerial shells, (or) finished salute shells held separately prior to being packed with other types of display fireworks, are classified as high explosives. As such, bulk salutes may only be stored in type 1 or type 2 magazines specifically constructed for the storage of high explosives.
[27 CFR 555.11, 555.202(b), 555.203(d), 555.207, 555.208, 555.210]
Yes. Display fireworks include, but are not limited to, salutes containing more than 2 grains (130 mg) of flash powder, aerial shells containing more than 40 grams of pyrotechnic compositions (excluding the lift charge), and other display pieces which exceed the limits of explosive materials for classification as "consumer fireworks". These fireworks are classified as fireworks UN0333, UN0334, or UN0335 by regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation at 49 CFR 172.101. Display fireworks also include fused set pieces containing components which together exceed 50 mg of salute powder. Any fireworks defined as “display fireworks” in 27 CFR 555.11 may be lawfully received or transported only by persons who hold a valid license or permit. No ATF license or permit is required to receive or transport “consumer fireworks” or “articles pyrotechnic”.
[18 U.S.C. 842(a)(3); 27 CFR 555.26, 555.141(a)(7); 27 CFR 555.11: definition of "display fireworks"]
Generally, the importation, distribution, and storage of fireworks defined as consumer fireworks are exempted from the provisions of the Federal explosives laws. However, because they contain pyrotechnic compositions classed by ATF as explosive materials, the manufacture of consumer fireworks requires a manufacturer’s license. In addition, pyrotechnic compositions used in the manufacture of consumer fireworks must be stored in accordance with regulations in 27 CFR Subpart K. Consumer fireworks are defined as "any small firework device designed to produce visible effects by combustion and which must comply with the construction, chemical composition, and labeling regulations of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, as set forth in Title 16, Code of Federal Regulations, parts 1500 and 1507. Some small devices designed to produce audible effects are included, such as whistling devices, ground devices containing 50 mg or less of flash powder, and aerial devices containing 130 mg or less of flash powder. Consumer fireworks are classified as fireworks UN0336 and UN0337 by the U.S. Department of Transportation at 49 CFR 172.101. This term does not include fused set pieces containing components which together exceed 50 mg of salute powder."
[27 CFR 555.11: definition of "consumer fireworks"; definition of "licensed manufacturer", 555.141(a)(7)]
No. If all of your imported fireworks are used for your company’s display shows, no import markings are required. However, any subsequent distribution of display fireworks without the proper markings required by 27 CFR § 555.109 would place you in violation of Federal explosives laws. Import markings are required to be placed on display fireworks for sale or distribution within 15 days following their release from U.S. Customs custody.
Yes. The attachment of igniters to the display fireworks at the fireworks plant constitutes an assembly process and is considered “processing.” Any building in which igniters are attached to display fireworks is considered a “fireworks process building,” which is defined, in part, in 27 CFR § 555.11 as “…any building in which pyrotechnic compositions or explosive materials is pressed or otherwise prepared for finished and assembly…” Be advised that the display shells and igniters cannot be stored in a process building overnight and must be moved to an explosives magazine which complies with the requirements in 27 CFR § 555, Subpart K.
The transfer of display fireworks generally constitutes a distribution as defined in 27 CFR § 555.11. Therefore, you are permitted to receive display fireworks from the municipality but must maintain a record of the acquisition pursuant to 27 CFR, Part 555, Subpart G – Records and Reports. Additionally, you must maintain a daily summary of magazine transactions pursuant to 27 CFR § 555.127 for all explosives stored in your magazines.
Pursuant to 27 CFR § 555.141(a)(3), Federal explosives regulations generally do not apply to the “transportation, shipment, receipt, or importation of explosive materials for delivery to any agency of the United States or to any State or its political subdivision.” Although the city is required to properly store explosives, it is exempt from the Federal licensing requirements at 27 CFR, Part 555, and can receive display fireworks without possessing a Federal explosives license or permit. Therefore, you can return the display fireworks to the city prior to the show so long as you enter this disposition in your permanent records as required under 27 CFR, Part 555, Subpart G.
Although you may lawfully receive and store the display fireworks, your return or distribution of explosive materials to a person who does not hold a federal license or permit would violate Federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 842(b).
A vehicle does not fall under the definition of the term “inhabited building,” as defined in 27 CFR § 555.11 and further clarified in ATF Ruling 2005-3. However, the hotel would be considered an inhabited building when determining distances needed to comply with table of distance requirements at 27 CFR § 555.224. Further, you are required to comply with any State and local requirements regarding storage of explosive materials.
By way of background, in order for the manufacturing and transportation to be considered under the authority of a Federal explosives license or permit, the manufacturing and transportation of fireworks by volunteer club members must be supervised by an authorized member of the club, such as an officer of the club, who is listed as a responsible person on the license or permit application. Further, these fireworks must be transported in compliance with USDOT regulations.
General Questions - Explosives
Yes. A license or permit will not be issued to any person who:
(a) Is under indictment for, or who has been convicted in any court, of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year;
(b) Is a fugitive from justice;
(c) Is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. § 802);
(d) Has been adjudicated a mental defective or who has been committed to a mental institution;
(e) Is an alien (with certain exceptions);
(f) Has been discharged from the armed forces under dishonorable conditions; or,
(g) Having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced his citizenship.
[18 USC §§ 842(i), 843(b)(1); 27 CFR § 555.49(b)(2)(i)]
Among other things, the Safe Explosives Act mandated that all persons who wish to receive or transport explosive materials must first obtain a federal explosives license or permit. In addition, the act imposed new restrictions on who may lawfully receive and possess explosive materials.
All federal explosive licensees and permittees and their responsible persons and employees authorized to possess explosives are affected by the new requirements and background checks mandated by the Act.
The law affects all persons who import, manufacture, deal in, purchase, use, store, or possess explosive materials. It also affects those who ship, transport or cause to be transported, or receive explosive materials. Also, see 18 USC § 845 and 27 CFR § 555.141 for exemptions.
No. However, airport terminals and jetways (enclosed or open walkways on or above the tarmac) are considered inhabited buildings for table of distance requirements.
Shock tube contains highly explosive material. However, it may be stored as a low explosive when not attached to a detonator.
[27 CFR 555.202(b), 555.213]
Can federal explosives disabilities resulting from a conviction of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year be removed if the conviction is expunged or set aside or the convicted person has received a pardon for the offense or has had his or her civil rights restored?
A person convicted of, or under indictment for, a "crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year" may not lawfully receive or possess explosive materials or be issued a federal explosives license or permit.
The term "crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year" does not include offenses pertaining to antitrust violations, unfair trade practices, restraints of trade, or any state offense (other than one involving a firearm or explosive) classified as a misdemeanor and punishable by imprisonment for 2 years or less.
There are only 3 means by which federal explosives disabilities resulting from a conviction of, or indictment for, a "crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year" can be removed:
- A decision of a court invalidating a conviction on the basis that the conviction was unconstitutional;
- In the case of a federal conviction, a presidential pardon; and
- The granting of relief from federal explosives disabilities by ATF pursuant to the filing of a relief application with the Director. For more information, visit our webpage Apply for Relief of Explosives Disability.
[18 U.S.C. 841(l), 842(d),(i), 845(b); 27 CFR 555.11: definition of "crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year", 555.26(c), 555.142]
The term "highway" is defined in 27 CFR 555.11 as "any public street, public alley, or public road, including a privately financed, constructed, or maintained road that is regularly and openly traveled by the general public."
Privately financed, constructed or maintained roads that are not regularly or openly traveled by the general public do not fall within the meaning of the term and would, therefore, be exempt from table of distance requirements. See ATF Ruling 2005–2 for more information.
[27 CFR 555.11: definition of "highway"]
Yes. Federal explosives law prohibits any person from distributing explosive materials to persons under 21 years of age. However, it does not prohibit the delivery to or possession of explosive materials by persons under the age of 21 who are receiving or using the materials on behalf of their employers to whom the materials were lawfully sold.
[18 U.S.C. 842(d), (i); 27 CFR 555.11 (definition of "distribute"), 555.26, 555.106(b)(1)]
