Imported fireworks often fail safety checks

This year 21 percent of the imported fireworks tested by the Environment and Transport Inspectorate failed their safety checks. Last year 22 percent did not pass muster, news wire ANP reports. Fireworks are rejected if they, for example, fall over or explode at a too low altitude. Importers are required to make sure that only fireworks complying with the Dutch rules enter the market. They have to destroy those that don't. If the importers do not do so, the Inspectorate can impose a fine. Last week the interest association Pyrotechnics Netherlands announced that bangers are falling out of favor this year. But the fireworks industry's turnover is expected to remain the same as last year, because people are buying more decorative fireworks.