The Commission has published evaluations of the EU legislation on pyrotechnic articles (Directive 2013/29/EU) and civil explosives (Directive 2014/28/EU). The evaluations concluded that both directives are effective, efficient and relevant overall.
However, the evaluation of the Pyrotechnics Directive identified shortcomings, especially regarding safety, security and environmental concerns. Key problems include the widespread availability of dangerous fireworks, the circumvention of rules via mail order sales, the lack of an effective traceability and transfer system, and insufficient animal welfare protection.
The Civil Explosive Directive is performing well on a whole. However, some of its provisions are outdated and not fit for the digital age.
In line with its commitment to ProtectEU: a European Internal Security Strategy, the Commission will reflect on the evaluation results and decide whether to launch a process to revise these directives.
