CONTROL OF FIREWORKS AND OTHER EXPLOSIVES [ S.L.33.03 1 SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION 33.03 CONTROL OF FIREWORKS AND OTHER EXPLOSIVES REGULATIONS 1st January, 1999; 1st March, 1999; 30th April, 1999; 31st December, 1999 LEGAL NOTICE 243 of 1998 as amended by Legal Notices 266 of 1998, 122 and 125 of 1999, 118 and 164 of 2001, 23 of 2008, 177 and 315 of 2010, 47 of 2011, 77 of 2012, 205 of 2014, 297 of 2015, 264 of 2019, 476 of 2020, 160 of 2022, 106 of 2024 and 76 of
- The title of these regulations is Control of Fireworks and other Explosives Regulations. Title. Amended by: L.N. 266 of
- In requires - Definitions. Amended by: L.N. 177 of 2010; L.N. 205 of 2014; L.N. 160 of
- these regulations, unless the context otherwise "inhabited area" means any area in which there is an aggregation of houses inhabited, or capable of being inhabited, by more than one hundred persons; "fireworks factory" means any premises where fireworks are manufactured or stored and includes any area within the boundaries thereof; "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Police; "explosive" means, for the purposes of these regulations, any chemical composition, either liquid, solid or gas, that is in a state of unstable equilibrium and which when suitably initiated by heat, shock or friction energy, is released in the form of heat, light, sound and/ or pressure. The chemical composition is basically made up of an oxidizer and a fuel; "Explosives Committee" means the Committee established in accordance with article 23 of the Ordinance; "Fireworks Inspector" means a fireworks inspector appointed in accordance with regulation 16A; "manufacture" includes the carrying out of any process of manufacture; "Minister" means the Minister responsible for the Police; "Ordinance" means the Explosives Ordinance; "precursors" means any chemical substances that, when combined or manufactured, produce a practical effect by explosion or detonation, including a pyrotechnic effect, and including, but not limited to, the precursors listed in the Fourth Schedule; "rooftops" means the uppermost part of the structure which is permanent or temporary, certified beforehand by an expert qualified to issue such a certification as a structure which is suitable for the discharge therefrom of fireworks of such type, and under such conditions as the said expert may in his discretion determine. Cap.
- 2 [ S.L.33.03 Fixing of signs. Substituted by: L.N. 118 of
- CONTROL OF FIREWORKS AND OTHER EXPLOSIVES 3.
(1)There shall be fixed an appropriate number of signs at a safe distance from the fireworks factory to alert persons of the danger involved and to secure their safety.
(2)The number and size of the signs and their spacing and distance from each individual factory shall be decided by the Commissioner after consulting the Explosives Committee.
(3)The signs shall contain the following words in both Maltese and English: "DANGER Fireworks Factory It is dangerous to Go Beyond this Point".
(4)It shall be the responsibility of the licensee of the fireworks factory to ensure that these signs are fixed in accordance with the directions given by the Commissioner and that they are kept in an upright position and properly maintained. Licence. Amended by: L.N. 23 of 2008; L.N. 315 of 2010; L.N. 47 of 2011; L.N. 77 of 2012; L.N. 205 of 2014; L.N. 297 of 2015; L.N. 264 of 2019. 4.
(1)No person shall manufacture any fireworks or assist in such manufacture without a licence from the Commissioner. Such licence shall be restricted to such fireworks only as are mentioned in the Second Schedule.
(2)There shall be the following categories of licences: (
- a)Category "A" - for persons who are qualified to manufacture and supervise the manufacture of fireworks; (
- b)Category "B" - for assistants to persons holding licence Category "A"; (
- c)Category "C" - for persons who are authorised to let off fireworks under the supervision of a person in possession of a Category "A" licence; (
- d)Category "D" - for persons who are following a course of study for the issue of a Category "B" licence; and (
- e)Category "TEMP" - for persons holding a valid licence to let off fireworks in another State, particularly in a Member State, and who are authorised to let off fireworks in Malta for the duration of an event, such as fireworks exhibitions or festivals: Provided that persons licensed in Categories "A" and "B" shall also be authorised to let off fireworks.
(3)No licences "A" and "B" shall be issued unless the applicant has previously attended a course of instruction on the subject and passed an oral test or written test, or both, which satisfies the examiners that he possesses the necessary technical knowledge and ability to manufacture fireworks in the case of a Category "A" licence, or to assist in their manufacture in the case of a Category "B" licence, without danger to himself or to others. (3A) The Commissioner may issue a Category "D" licence to all those who apply to attend a course of instruction for the issue of a Category "B" licence. This licence will permit its holder, under the CONTROL OF FIREWORKS AND OTHER EXPLOSIVES [ S.L.33.03 supervision of a Category "A" licensed person, to assist in the manufacture and letting of fireworks; this licence will only be valid from the period when the person applies for the same course of instruction until the person sits for the end of the course examination. (3B) Category "A" licence and Category "B" licence shall be valid for a maximum period of five years from the date of issuance of such licences.
(4)Applications for licences in Categories "A" and "B" are to be endorsed by the licensee of the fireworks factory in which the applicant intends to operate.
(5)Applications for licences in Category "A" shall only be considered if applicants have been in possession of a licence in Category "B" for at least two years.
(6)A licence for Category "C" shall only be issued to those persons who pass an oral test or written test, or both, which satisfies the examiners that he possesses the necessary technical knowledge and ability to let off fireworks without danger to himself or to others. (6A) Category "C" licence shall be valid for a maximum period of five years from the date of issuance of such licence.
(7)A refresher course shall be held once every five years for all licence holders (licences "A", "B" and "C"), which course shall be followed by an interview, an oral test or both, administered by members of the Explosives Committee and the fireworks inspectors. Licence holders may also be required to sit for a written test.
(8)Licence holders of licence "A", "B" or "C" shall compulsorily attend a refresher course after having been called by the Commissioner once every five years.
(9)The course referred to in sub-regulation
(7)will provide information in relation to safety procedures, the legislative framework and the latest developments in the pyrotechnics sector. During the interview, oral test, or both, licence holders will be required to demonstrate knowledge of course content.
(10)Those licence holders who fail the test mentioned in subregulations
(7)and
(9)shall have their licence withdrawn pending a re-sit. Those who fail the re-sit may re-apply for a licence, in which case sub-regulations
(3)to
(6)shall apply, both inclusive, as well as any other regulation that applies regarding an application for a new licence.
(11)Any licence holder who fails to attend the refresher course, the interview or any other test, including a re-sit, will be presumed to be no longer interested in the licence, which shall be withdrawn.
(12)A Category "TEMP" licence shall be valid for the duration of an event, such as a fireworks exhibition or festival, during which the holder would be letting off fireworks in Malta.
(13)Applications for licences in Category "TEMP" are to be endorsed by the organiser of the event on the occasion of which the 3 4 [ S.L.33.03 CONTROL OF FIREWORKS AND OTHER EXPLOSIVES applicant is to let off fireworks. Such applications shall be submitted by the applicant, or by the organiser on behalf of the applicant, at least fourteen days prior to the commencement of the event. Applications shall include the personal details of the applicant, information relating to the dates and site for letting off and copies of any licences or qualifications held by the applicant. Original licences or qualifications may be submitted at a later date as directed by the Commissioner.
(14)Applicants for a Category "TEMP" licence may, if deemed necessary by the Commissioner, be required to pass an oral test to ascertain that they possess the necessary technical knowledge and ability to let off fireworks without danger to themselves or to others. Form or licence. Licensee to carry licence. Amended by: L.N. 177 of 2010. 5. Licences shall be in the form of an identity card. 6.
(1)No person shall enter into any fireworks factory to handle fireworks unless he carries with him the licence which he shall produce to an authorised inspector on demand. The licensee of a licensed fireworks factory, or in his absence any other person holding a licence "A", shall be responsible for ensuring that any restrictions or conditions attached to the above-mentioned licence are complied with.
(2)No person holding a Category "B" licence shall enter or remain in any fireworks factory unless there is present therein a person holding a Category "A" licence.
(3)No person shall be present in fireworks factories for the purpose of maintenance of the premises or equipment unless he is so authorised by the divisional police inspector responsible for the district and unless he is accompanied by the licensee of the fireworks factory. Licence conditions. Added by: L.N. 77 of 2012. Amended by: L.N. 205 of 2014. 6A.
(1)The licensee of a fireworks factory shall be responsible to ensure that the fireworks factory is compliant with the provisions of these regulations including, but not limited to: (
- a)ascertaining that licence ‘A’ holders are adequately supervising other licence holders at all times; and (
- b)maintaining and updating the Register provided for in regulation 22.
(2)All licence holders shall work under the direction of the licensee and shall report to him in relation to any obligation foreseen by these regulations.
(3)Whenever a fireworks factory is in contravention of regulations 7, 8, and 9 or is otherwise in serious breach of these regulations, or is in breach of any other law, as stipulated in the Ordinance, the Commissioner shall suspend the licence pertaining to the licensee, as well as the licence of any other person directly involved in the contravention. Handling of fireworks. Amended by: L.N. 205 of 2014. 7.
(1)No person shall handle or be allowed to handle any fireworks, or loiter within the boundaries of a fireworks factory unless he is in possession of a licence "A", "B" or "D". CONTROL OF FIREWORKS AND OTHER EXPLOSIVES [ S.L.33.03 5
(2)The licensee of a fireworks factory shall set up signs indicating the presence of the factory at a safe distance from such factory on every road, lane or path leading to the said factory. 8. It shall not be lawful for any person to manufacture, store, convey or discharge any firework which contains any of the following substances: (
- a)any admixture of potassium chlorate and sulphur or any chlorates in an admixture with sulphur; Prohibited substances. Amended by: L.N. 23 of 2008; L.N. 205 of 2014. (
- b)an admixture of potassium chlorate with phosphorus or any chlorate in an admixture with phosphorus; (
- c)nitro-glycerine gelignite, TNT or other similar high explosive; or (
- d)ammonium perchlorate; (
- e)an admixture of potassium chlorate and metals in any flash composition; (
- f)an admixture of potassium chlorate and charcoal (H3): Provided that, with reference to paragraph (e), the use of potassium chlorate in flash mixtures shall be prohibited. 9. The use of blasting accessories, such as detonators, electric or otherwise, and detonating cord in the manufacture of any fireworks, shall be prohibited: Blasting accessories. Amended by: L.N. 205 of 2014. Provided that the use of electric igniters shall be allowed. 10.
(1)No material other than paper and cardboard shall be used as casing for ground, rooftop or terrace fireworks. Casing. Substituted by: L.N. 205 of 2014.
(2)No material other than paper and cardboard shall be used as casing for aerial fireworks, which exceed 9.5 centimetres in length and 9.5 centimetres in diameter.
(3)In all cases the use of any kind of metallic casings shall be prohibited. 11.
(1)The sale of any item of fireworks, except for small sparklers, by shops or street vendors is prohibited. Sales of fireworks.
(2)For the purpose of this regulation, a small sparkler is a wire or stick, coated with pyrotechnic composition which cannot exceed fifty
(50)grams per item that produces a shower of sparks upon ignition. Items containing chlorate or perchlorate salt, cannot exceed five
(5)grams of composition every item. 12. Any person who applies for a licence to discharge fireworks as provided for in article 24 of the Ordinance shall (
- a)comply with the times set out in the First Schedule or as otherwise indicated in the licence; (
- b)satisfy the Commissioner that the fireworks were manufactured in a licensed factory; Discharge of fireworks. Amended by: L.N. 122 of 1999; L.N. 205 of 2014. 6 [ S.L.33.03 CONTROL OF FIREWORKS AND OTHER EXPLOSIVES (
- c)produce a policy of insurance adequately covering any claims arising from the death or personal injury to third parties or from damage to third party’s property that may be caused by any explosion or other factor during discharge of fireworks which policy of insurance shall be for an amount of not less than three hundred thousand euro (€300,000); (
- d)ensure that persons letting off fireworks are in possession of a Category "A", "B" or "C" licence. Conditions for testing and trial of sample fireworks. Added by: L.N. 177 of 2010. Amended by: L.N. 205 of 2014; L.N. 106 of 2024. 12A.
(1)The conditions stipulated in regulation 12, excluding paragraph (c) thereof, shall mutatis mutandis apply to any person who applies for a licence to discharge fireworks as provided for in article 24 of the Ordinance, with a view to test or make a trial of a sample of fireworks manufactured.
(2)No more than four articles may be discharged for testing or trial purposes in anyone day.
(3)Notwithstanding the provisions of regulation 12(a), fireworks shall be discharged for the purpose of testing or trial only during the times specified in the licence, which shall be between 11.00 a.m and 12.00 p.m (noon), or starting from not later than one
(1)hour after sunset for a period of not longer than one
(1)hour. Fireworks during band marches, etc. 13. Except for such ground fireworks (without bombs, rockets and aerial catherine wheels) as are known as [iggifogu, the letting off of any other types of fireworks from streets during band marches or other occasions shall be unlawful. Discharge sites. 14. No person shall discharge any fireworks from any site unless (
- a)the site is the one approved for that purpose in a licence issued under the Ordinance; (
- b)in the discharge of any fireworks from any approved site, he satisfies the provisions set out in the First and Second Schedules; (
- c)the pipes for the discharge of aerial fireworks are effectively screened at the site by wooden boards, sandbags, tyres or cardboard or wooden boxes filled with soil or similar material, so as to prevent the flying of fragments caused by unintentional explosion. Restricted sites. 15.
(1)Only fireworks of the approved type may be let off from a restricted site.
(2)For the purposes of sub-regulation
(1)hereof, a "restricted site" is a site so declared by the Commissioner on the advice of the group of experts referred to in regulation 16 and includes an area within such distance from such site as may be declared by the Commissioner on the advice of the same group, and "fireworks of the approved type" are fireworks of such type as may be approved by the Commissioner for the purpose on the advice of the said group. CONTROL OF FIREWORKS AND OTHER EXPLOSIVES [ S.L.33.03 16.
(1)The Minister shall appoint a group of experts under the chairmanship of the chairman of the Explosives Committee for the purposes of regulation 15 or for any other purpose, consisting of (
- a)all the members of the Explosives Committee, (
- b)a representative of the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage or any other entity responsible for the preservation of cultural heritage in terms of the Cultural Heritage Act, 7 Group of experts to advise Minister on restricted areas. Amended by: L.N. 77 of 2012. Cap. 445. (
- c)a representative of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, (
- d)a representative of such association as in the opinion of the Minister is most representative of fireworks manufacturers, (
- e)such other person chosen from amongst persons who in the opinion of the Minister have knowledge and experience in explosives and/or fireworks after consultation with the most representative organisations concerned in such matters.
(2)In submitting their advice, the experts shall take into consideration the type of fireworks to be discharged from the site, the value, historical or otherwise, of the site from where these fireworks are intended to be discharged, and the safety distances involved.
(3)Any member of the group of experts may at any time resign his appointment and the Minister may direct that any such member who appears to him to be unfit to continue in office or to be incapable of discharging his duties shall cease to hold office; but, save as aforesaid, the members of the group shall hold office for such period, not exceeding two years from the date of their appointment, as may be determined by the Minister on their appointment and shall be eligible for reappointment.
(4)If any vacancy in the composition of the group of experts occurs during its term of office, on account of death, resignation or for any other cause, the Minister shall, as soon as practicable, appoint another person to fill the vacancy: Provided that the group may act notwithstanding any such vacancy as long as a quorum consisting of half the members is present. The group shall otherwise regulate its own proceedings. 16A.
(1)The Minister may appoint fireworks inspectors, who shall, upon the instructions of the Explosives Committee or of the Commissioner of Police: (
- a)carry out inspections of fireworks factories and make recommendations as to ensure conformity with legal requirements; (
- b)carry out inspections at sites from which fireworks have been, are being or are going to be let off; (
- c)assist, advice and make recommendations to the Explosives Committee, the Commissioner of Police or Fireworks Inspectors. Added by: L.N. 177 of 2010. 8 [ S.L.33.03 CONTROL OF FIREWORKS AND OTHER EXPLOSIVES the Minister as the case may be, on any matters relating to the fireworks sector; and (
- d)carry out any other task as may be directed by the Explosives Committee or the Commissioner of Police.
(2)Fireworks inspectors appointed in accordance with this regulation shall have such powers as are required in the performance of their functions, which shall include the right to enter and inspect any fireworks factory. Removal of misfired fireworks.
- The person licensed to discharge fireworks shall take the necessary steps for the recovery and removal from the area around the site of discharge, of such items of fireworks which fail to ignite or explode as well as any other material resulting from the discharge of such fireworks. Times for discharge.
- No aerial fireworks shall be discharged on any day and times other than those indicated in the Police permit. Importation of explosives. Amended by: L.N. 177 of 2010; L.N. 205 of
- 19.
(1)An application for the importation of explosives shall be made on a form as prescribed in the Third Schedule. Such application shall be accompanied by a declaration in English from the supplier showing that such explosives are suitable for the manufacture of fireworks or otherwise as well as by a certificate in English of the chemical analysis of the explosives. The said declaration or the said certificate shall also confirm that the precursors to be used comply with the purity levels required under the laws of Malta.
(2)The Commissioner of Police may require the applicant to produce a sample of the explosives to be imported for laboratory analysis and the Commissioner of Police may also require to take a sample of the imported material to ascertain that the explosives imported are in conformity with the specifications contained in the declaration and the certificate produced with the application.
(3)The importer shall not remove any labels or other specifications affixed to the containers of such explosives prior to the supply thereof to the manufacturers.
(4)The importer shall deliver to the manufacturer a material safety data sheet, and any labels or other specifications with each s u p p l y o f p r e c u r s o r s m a d e t o t h e m a n u f a c t u r e r, a n d t h e manufacturer shall ensure that such material safety data sheets, labels or other specifications are made available at the fireworks factory. Limitation of certain sales. Substituted by: L.N. 177 of 2010. 20.
(1)Notwithstanding any other law, a manufacturer shall not sell or transfer under any title whatsoever and to any person whosoever, any precursor listed in Part I of the Fourth Schedule, or any partially manufactured fireworks. A manufacturer may only sell, transfer or deliver under any title whatsoever, fireworks the manufacture of which has been completed and which are ready to be let off: Provided that any such sale, transfer or delivery of finished fireworks shall be subject to the relevant license requirements laid down in the Ordinance and in any regulations made thereunder. CONTROL OF FIREWORKS AND OTHER EXPLOSIVES [ S.L.33.03 9
(2)No dealer or importer may sell, transfer or deliver under any title whatsoever, to any person, not being the licensee of a fireworks factory, any quantity of any precursor listed in Part I of the Fourth Schedule, which was so imported for use in the manufacturing of fireworks and any other oxidizing precursors as the Commissioner may direct: Provided that the Minister may, by order in the Gazette, make any additions, deletions or variations to the Fourth Schedule. 21.
(1)No fireworks factory shall purchase or otherwise acquire potassium chlorate in a quantity exceeding 1000Kg and potassium nitrate in a quantity exceeding 3200Kg between the 1st October of one year and the 30th September of the next following year.
(2)The Commissioner may, following the advice of, and with the conditions set by, the Explosives Committee, allocate a yearly quota not exceeding 1000 kilos of potassium nitrate, between the 1st October and the 30th September of the following year, to an organisation for the exclusive use for the manufacture of black powder for use at authorised re-enactments, filming or related events that involve the firing of blank shots. Limitation of potassium chlorate. Added by: L.N. 177 of 2010. Amended by: L.N. 47 of 2011; L.N. 205 of 2014; L.N. 297 of 2015.
(3)The potassium nitrate allocated under this regulation shall be collected from the appropriate Armed Forces of Malta storage facility and shall be used for the manufacture of black powder by the fireworks factory contracted to manufacture such black powder by any such organisation. The manufactured black powder shall be stored at the aforementioned fireworks factory until such time as the black powder is to be used: Provided that no fireworks factory shall enter into more than one contract or arrangement for the manufacture of black powder for a third party at any given time. 22.
(1)The licensee of a fireworks factory shall enter in a register the quantity of: (
- a)potassium nitrate acquired and the amount blackpowder produced on a yearly basis; and; of Register. Added by: L.N. 177 of 2010. Amended by: L.N. 205 of 2014. (
- b)potassium perchlorate acquired and the amount of flash produced on a yearly basis; and (
- c)the amount of potassium chlorate acquired and the amount of star composition produced on a yearly basis..
(2)This register shall, at all times, be open to inspection by fireworks inspectors and the Police. 23. Whenever waste or side products such as waste paper, cardboard or other similar waste are to be disposed of at a fireworks complex, the licensee, or a licence "A" holder shall inform the divisional Police in advance of such disposal for the purpose of enabling the avoidance of unnecessary alarm. 24.
(1)The Commissioner may permit, subject to a positive recommendation by the Committee established in accordance with article 23 of the Ordinance, the use of emission fireworks on Disposal of waste paper, cardboard or similar waste. Added by: L.N. 205 of
- Use of emission fireworks. Added by: L.N. 76 of
- 10 [ S.L.33.03 CONTROL OF FIREWORKS AND OTHER EXPLOSIVES U n m a n n e d A e r i a l Ve h i c l e s ( U AV s ) h o l d i n g a n o p er a t i o n a l authorisation issued by the Civil Aviation Directorate within the Authority for Transport in Malta: Provided that for the purposes of this regulation: "Civil Aviation Directorate" means the Directorate responsible for all matters connected with civil aviation, including air navigation, the registration of aircraft and aircraft mortgages, the provision of ancillary services and the promotion of Malta as an international centre for aircraft registration and ancillary services; "emission fireworks" means fireworks which emit sparks, flames or other visual and auditory effects when ignited. These fireworks are designed to produce a display of light and colour by means of the controlled release of pyrotechnic compounds. Pyrotechnics that contain any type of flashes or bangers and, or any type of projectile and, or projected pyrotechnics shall not fall under this definition.
(2)A decision to authorise the use of such Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in accordance with these regulations shall only be issued to a person licensed to manufacture fireworks in terms of the Ordinance and these regulations, provided that such person is also in possession of an operational authorisation to operate Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or is assisted by a person holding such an operational authorisation.
(3)The applicant shall submit the following documents with his application, along with any other document required by the Commissioner: (a) proof that he is in possession of the licences and authorisations referred to in sub-regulation
(2), either on his own or in partnership with another person; (
- b)insurance coverage for the proposed event and the activities to be conducted; (
- c)a risk assessment of the intended operation, including measures to mitigate risk in accordance with the methodology prescribed by the Civil Aviation Directorate within the Authority for Transport in Malta; and (
- d)flight authorisations by the Civil Aviation Directorate within the Authority for Transport in Malta.
(4)relation to: The Commissioner may only issue an authorisation in (
- a)fireworks events organised by the State; and CONTROL OF FIREWORKS AND OTHER EXPLOSIVES [ S.L.33.03 (
- b)on condition that the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) do not hover or fly over groups of people.
(5)In the event that the Commissioner permits the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in terms of this regulation, he may impose limits on the number of such vehicles that may be used. 11 [ S.L.33.03 12 CONTROL OF FIREWORKS AND OTHER EXPLOSIVES FIRST SCHEDULE Regulations 12 (
- a)and 14 (
- b)Amended by: L.N. 177 of 2010; L.N. 315 of 2010; L.N. 47 of 2011; L.N. 205 of 2014; L.N. 476 of 2020. TIMES OF DISCHARGING OF FIREWORKS 1. Moving the Statute from the Niche 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. .................................. 10 minutes - during this time not more than 6 petards (murtali tal-bomba) not exceeding 10cms diameter and 10cms length are to be let off 12 noon ............................................. 10 minutes - during this time not more than 6 petards (murtali tal-bomba) not exceeding 10cms diameter and 10cms length are to be let off Removal of the statue from the niche . 20 minutes Evening display ................................. 20 minutes, not to finish later than 10 p.m. Ground fireworks, without bombs, rockets and aerial catherine wheels (m[ienen) shall finish by not later than midnight of that same day. 2. First and Second Day of Triduum 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. .................................. 10 minutes - during this time not more than 6 petards (murtali tal-bomba) not exceeding 10cms diameter and 10cms length are to be let off 12 noon ............................................. 10 minutes - during this time not more than 6 petards (murtali tal-bomba) not exceeding 10cms diameter and 10cms length are to be let off End of religious function (barka) ....... 20 minutes Evening display ................................. 20 minutes, not to finish later than 10 p.m. Ground fireworks, without bombs, rockets and aerial catherine wheels (m[ienen) shall finish by not later than midnight of that same day. 3. Third Day of Triduum As per days at 1 and 2 above, except that the evening display may extend for up to 45 minutes, but not to exceed 11 p.m. Ground fireworks, without bombs, rockets and aerial catherine wheels (m[ienen) shall finish by not later than 1 a.m. of the following day. 4. Eve of the Feast Te Deum or 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. ............... 30 minutes - during this time not more than 6 petards (murtali tal-bomba) not exceeding 10cms diameter and 10cms length are to be let off CONTROL OF FIREWORKS AND OTHER EXPLOSIVES [ S.L.33.03 13 11.45 a.m. or 12 noon ........................ 20 minutes - during this time not more than 6 petards (murtali tal-bomba) not exceeding 10cms diameter and 10cms length are to be let off Evening service (Translazzjoni) ......... 1 hour of daylight fireworks display Evening display ................................. to commence by not later than 10 p.m. but to finish by not later than 11.30 p.m. (provided that any such display shall not exceed in total a maximum of two hours from commencement) Ground fireworks, without bombs, roc ke ts and ae rial cathe rine wheels (m[ienen) .............................................. to end by 1.30 a.m. of the following day no aerial fireworks to follow. 5. Day of the feast 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. .................................. 10 minutes - during this time not more than 6 petards (murtali tal-bomba) not exceeding 10cms diameter and 10cms length are to be let off 11.45 a.m. or 12 noon/Sanctus ........... 20 minutes Procession ......................................... (
- a)7 p.m. on Feast Day and to finish by 11 p.m. in general (provided that in the case of Feasts held in the months between November and March the Commissioner of Police may authorise, on a case by case basis, the commencement of discharge of fireworks at an earlier time, so long as this is not earlier than 5 p.m); (
- b)8 a.m. on Feast Day and to finish by 12 noon in respect of feasts where the procession is traditionally held in the morning; and (
- c)an uninterrupted 30-minute break shall be observed in the discharge of fireworks during the times indicated in sub-paragraphs (
- a)and (
- b)above. 6. The following conditions shall also be observed: (
- a)The times of firing shall be clearly indicated in the Police permit. The sporadic discharge of aerial fireworks shall be prohibited. (
- b)All applications for air or ground fireworks shall be endorsed by the President or Secretary of the G]aqda Piroteknika Maltija. (
- c)All applications for the discharge of fireworks shall be referred to the Commissioner of Police at least one month in advance of the event: Provided that, in the case of applications for the discharge of permitted rooftop or terrace fireworks, such applications may be submitted up to fourteen days before the discharge. (
- d)Only applications from licensed manufacturers and endorsed by the Għaqda Piroteknika Maltija shall be accepted. 14 [ S.L.33.03 CONTROL OF FIREWORKS AND OTHER EXPLOSIVES (
- e)In all cases, the times of firing shall be clearly indicated in the application and permits shall be strictly enforced. (
- f)An application for Police attendance (on payment) for the conveyance of fireworks shall invariably be demanded. (
- g)All departures from permits shall be reported to the Commissioner of Police immediately by telephone message and in writing. All offenders shall be charged without fail. Amended by: L.N. 125 of 1999; L.N. 177 of 2010; L.N. 315 of 2010; L.N. 205 of 2014; L.N. 264 of 2019. SECOND SCHEDULE Regulation 14 TYPE OF FIREWORKS PERMITTED DURING DISCHARGE A. Ground fireworks (
- a)The set piece and fireworks known as [ig[ifogu. (
- b)Catherine wheels. B. Permitted rooftop and terrace fireworks (
- a)Small paper bombs (musketterija) to be let off at a distance of not less than seven metres from the inside of the facade. In the absence of such distance, applicant shall encase the roll of paper bombs in wire netting to prevent the flying of projectiles. (
- b)Coloured smoke canisters to be let off at a distance of not less than two metres from the inside of the facade. (
- c)Bengala lights or lances not exceeding one inch (2.5cms) in diameter, to be let off at a distance of not less than two metres from the inside of the facade. (
- d)Stoppini, Chinese Cakes and similar fireworks, provided that they are of a maximum diameter of up to 3cm. These are to be let off at a distance of not less than four metres on the inside of the facade. (
- e)No fireworks, except that referred to sub-paragraphs (a), (b), (
- c)and (d), shall be let-off from any rooftop; (
- f)C. No rooftop and terrace fireworks, irrespective of the place of letting-off, shall be let-off later than 00.30a.m. of the next day. Aerial fireworks (
- a)Not more than 21 maroons not exceeding 12cms diameter and 12cms length to be fired as a salute at (
- i)exit of the statute from the niche, (
- ii)during the Evening Service (Translazzjoni), and (iii) during the commencement of the procession on the Feast Day. (
- b)Maroons of a size not exceeding 10cms in diameter and 10cms in length. (
- c)Coloured or cracker multiple break shells. Any bomb attachments are not to exceed 10cms in diameter and 10cms in length. CONTROL OF FIREWORKS AND OTHER EXPLOSIVES [ S.L.33.03 15 (
- d)Batteries of coloured shells, maroons, crackers and whistles. D. Distances for the letting off of fireworks (
- a)To be discharged from at least 60 metres distance from an inhabited area or public streets used regularly by motor vehicles - bukketti tal-kulur and beraq/spanjoli of up to 5cms diameter; maroons cannot be discharged. (
- b)To be discharged from at least 100 metres distance from an inhabited area or public streets used regularly by motor vehicles - whistles, coloured or cracker shells arranged as a battery, up to a maximum width in diameter not exceeding 7.6 cms and 7.6 cms in length and single break and single shot shells, excluding maroons up to a maximum width and height of 10cms, not arranged as a battery. (
- c)To be discharged from at least 150 metres distance from an inhabited area or public streets used regularly by motor vehicles - maroons not exceeding 7.6cms in diameter and 7.6cms in length; also coloured, whistles or cracker shells (kaxxi tal-bombi, kuluri, beraq u sfafar), all not exceeding 7.6 cm in diameter and in length, as well as single break and single shot shells (excluding maroons) up to a maximum width and height of 15cms not arranged as a battery. (
- d)To be discharged from at least 200 metres distance from an inhabited area or public streets used regularly by motor vehicles - all other types of fireworks. (
- e)Rooftop and terrace fireworks may be let off from the distances stipulated in paragraphs (
- a)to (d). THIRD SCHEDULE (Regulation 19) 16 [ S.L.33.03 CONTROL OF FIREWORKS AND OTHER EXPLOSIVES APPLICATION FOR THE IMPORTATION OF EXPLOSIVES Added by: L.N. 177 of 2010. FOURTH SCHEDULE Regulations 2 and 20 PRECURSORS CONTROL OF FIREWORKS AND OTHER EXPLOSIVES Part I Barium Chlorate Barium Nitrate Bismuth Oxide Bismuth Trioxide Lead Tetraoxide Potassium Biochromate Potassium Chlorate Potassium Dichromate Potassium Nitrate Potassium Perchlorate Sodium Nitrate Strontium Nitrate Part II Aluminium Dark Aluminium Flitter Aluminium Brilliant Aluminium Atomized Aluminium Granules Antimony Oxalate Antimony Sulphide Antimony Trioxide Antimony Trisulphide Barium Carbonate Barium Oxalate Barium Sulphate Boric Acid Calcium Carbonate Calcium Sulphate Charcoal Colophony Resin Copper Oxychloride Copper (I) Oxide Copper (II) Oxide Copper Carbonate C PVC Powder Copper Sulphate [ S.L.33.03 17 18 [ S.L.33.03 CONTROL OF FIREWORKS AND OTHER EXPLOSIVES Cryolite Dextrin Dyestuffs (various colours) Ferro-Titanium Graphite Gum Arabic Gum Aroids Gum Red Gum Copal Hexamine Iron Lactose Magnalium (Magnesium Aluminium) Magnesium Magnesium Carbonate Parlon Potassium Benzoate PVC Powder PVC Saran Shellac Silicon Sodium Benzoate Sodium Oxalate Sodium Fluoride Sodium Salicylate Stearic Acid Strontium Carbonate Strontium Oxalate Strontium Sulphate Sulphur Titanium Zinc Oxide