CERT provides specialist regulatory and technical support across all product sectors, including pyrotechnics. We help businesses navigate complex EU and UK requirements with clarity and confidence. Interested in tailored support? register your project interest so we can arrange a complimentary call with the relevant regulatory professional in our team. The EU regulates pyrotechnic articles under Directive 2013/29/EU, while Great Britain applies The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015, as amended, in parallel with wider product and explosives safety law.

What counts as a pyrotechnic article

A pyrotechnic article is any product containing explosive substances or mixtures designed to produce heat, light, sound, gas or smoke, or a combination of these effects, through self‑sustained exothermic chemical reactions. This framework covers consumer fireworks, theatrical effects and many technical pyrotechnics such as flare signals, airbag gas generators and other safety or signalling devices.

Core obligations include:

• Determining whether the product is a pyrotechnic article in scope of the EU or UK regulations, and identifying the correct category (F1–F4 fireworks, T1/T2 theatrical, P1/P2 other pyrotechnics).

• Designing products to meet the essential safety requirements, using harmonised European standards or designated UK standards where appropriate to demonstrate conformity.

• Compile and retain a technical file, including risk assessments, design drawings, test reports, conformity assessments and other supporting documentation for market‑surveillance authorities.

• Supplying clear, language‑appropriate instructions and safety information covering storage, handling, installation, use and disposal for each category of user (consumer or professional).

• Applying the correct conformity assessment (EU‑type examination), involving a notified body in the EU or an approved body in Great Britain where required by the category and hazard level.

• Drawing up, signing and keeping an EU Declaration of Conformity or UK Declaration of Conformity that references the applicable legislation and standards, and presenting it to authorities on request.

Markings and information

Pyrotechnic articles must be classified into categories reflecting intended use and hazard level, such as fireworks F1–F4, theatrical pyrotechnics T1/T2, and vehicle pyrotechnics P1/P2. The category drives the conformity assessment route, permitted users, and restrictions on sale and use. Products must undergo notified or approved‑body conformity assessment, be supported by a technical file, and carry complete, durable labelling (including CE or UKCA/UKNI marking, identification, traceability, age limits, safety distances, and instructions in the correct language).

How we can help

CERT supports pyrotechnic manufacturers, importers and distributors at every stage of the compliance journey, from early product classification through to market launch.
We assess whether your products fall under the pyrotechnic framework and the correct category, review designs, risk assessments and technical documentation, and advise on CE and UKCA marking in line with the latest EU and UK rules. Our team can coordinate and benchmark against essential health and safety standards, prepare Declarations of Conformity, check labelling and user instructions, and deliver training and regulatory updates tailored to your product range.
With tailored, end‑to‑end support, CERT helps you place pyrotechnic articles on the EU and UK markets that are safe, compliant and fully supported by robust documentation and expert guidance.