PROFESSIONAL FIREWORK DISPLAYS AND SHOWS TO REQUIRE PERMITS FROM ATF
Requirements Are Part of the Safe Explosives Act

WASHINGTON - Civic groups, organizations and other private parties planning to acquire Class 1.3 display fireworks for their July 4 celebrations will require a permit under provisions of the new Safe Explosives Act, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) said today.

The requirement takes effect May 24, 2003, but since ATF has 90 days under the law to approve applications, people and organizations requiring a permit should apply as early as possible. Class 1.3 display fireworks are those used in professional fireworks shows and displays. Before the Safe Explosives Act, ATF did not require a permit to acquire and use Class 1.3 fireworks within the same state.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) established the classification of hazardous materials, which includes Class 1 explosives, for transportation purposes. The 1.3 display fireworks are part of the Class 1 category.

The public should know that consumer fireworks, such as firecrackers, sparklers, bottle rockets and similar small fireworks, are not subject to the provisions of the Safe Explosives Act and remain exempt from ATF requirements. Consumer fireworks, rated as Class 1.4 by DOT and previously known as Class C fireworks, still may be subject to Federal, state and local laws and regulations.

Cities, towns or other political subdivisions are exempt from the ATF permit requirements. However, all persons, including cities, towns and other political subdivisions, must store Class 1.3 display fireworks in accordance with the requirements contained in Subpart K-Storage, Part 555.201-217, in ATF Federal Explosives Regulations. The regulations are titled Commerce in Explosives, ATF Explosive Regulations, 27 CFR, Part 555 (previously known as Part 55).

The ATF Federal Explosives Law and Regulations are contained in ATF P 5400.7, which is located on the ATF Web Site at www.atf.gov.

In order to obtain a Federal explosives license/permit (FEL), contact the National Explosives Licensing Center (NELC) at (404) 417-2750. You may also contact the NELC via e-mail at NLClicenseapplication@atf.gov. The e-mail should contain "Request for Application Package" in the subject line.

The NELC will provide all applicable forms and instructions necessary to persons and organizations desiring a permit. The responsible persons on an application must furnish a photograph and a fingerprint card completed by a Federal, state or local law enforcement agency as part of their application. ATF has 90 days under the Safe Explosives Act to process an application.

A one-time use interstate permit costs $75. A limited permit, which allows six purchases a year within the same state, costs $25, and a full, three-year interstate permit is $100.

Any other questions regarding the acquisition of Class 1.3 display fireworks should be referred to ATF's Public Safety Branch at (202) 927-2310.

###