‘Buy only certified firecrackers, pyrotechnics’

MANILA, Philippines – Be very cautious in buying fireworks, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reminded Filipinos as the New Year’s Eve revelry looms hours away.

“Buy fireworks with the PS [Philippine Standard] mark to be assured of the products’ quality and safety use and avoid the risk of injury and damage to property,” Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo said.

Fireworks are under mandatory certification as a measure to protect consumers and traders, as it is a hazardous product. For fireworks to have a PS mark, manufacturers must apply for a PS license and have their products tested by the DTI.

Aside from that, they have to be licensed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to sell and distribute their fireworks, as mandated by Republic Act 7183, regulating firecrackers and other pyrotechnics.

The law also specifies the types of firecrackers and pyrotechnics that can and cannot be sold.

Those that are allowed are:

• Baby rocket
• Bawang
• Small triangulo
• Pulling of strings
• Paper caps
• El diablo
• Judas’ belt
• Sky rocket (kwitis), 
• and, other types equivalent to the abovementioned in explosive content.

Meanwhile, allowed pyrotechnic devices include:

• Sparklers
• Luces
• Fountain
• Jumbo regular
• Mabuhay
• Roman candle
• Trompillo
• Airwolf
• Whistle device
• Butterfly
• All kinds of pyrotechnic devices (pailaw), and, other types equivalent to the foregoing devices.

On the other hand, these are banned for sale and use (firecracker containing more than one-third teaspoon of gunpowder is considered illegal, according to the PNP):

• Atomic big triangulo and Super Lolo and their equivalent
• Lolo Thunder
• Bawang (large)
• Pla-pla
• Watusi
• Kwiton
• Giant Whistle
• Judas Belt (large)
• Og
• Atomic Bomb
• Piccolo
• Goodbye Philippines
• Kabas

The DTI also reminded consumers to check for proper labeling of fireworks and pyrotechnics. It should contain the classification, intended use, name and address of manufacturer, and should have details of how it is used and its supposed effect.

“Consumers are reminded to purchase only from licensed manufacturers or retailers,” Domingo added.

Consumers may call the DTI at (02) 751-3330 for questions or complaints. – Rappler.com