Cabinet approves by-law regulating use of fireworks in 2017

AMMAN — The Council of Ministers on Sunday approved the by-law on the regulation of fireworks for 2017, determining the terms of fireworks’ import, their moving, storing, selling and setting off in accordance with public safety requirements, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The by-law’s mandating reasons were approved earlier in the day, with the aim of licensing institutions and companies dealing with fireworks and organising their work.

The regulations seek to have institutions and companies concerned with fireworks’ safety, including their storage away from electricity and telecommunication lines, water pipes, main streets, railways, residential areas and gas stations, in addition to ensuring that warehouses are prepared for storing the items in a way that preserves public safety. 

Under the by-law, violators are either warned to rectify their status, or have their bank guarantee withdrawn. 

Moreover, people will not be allowed to set off fireworks after 10pm, except in official celebrations and holidays.

The government in 2009 banned the import of fireworks into the Kingdom, due to their dangers on society and public safety, except these imported for public agencies.

The most serious accident caused by fireworks in the Kingdom took place at the Jordan Customs Department yards in October 2015, where a large fire erupted after two containers of fireworks exploded, killing seven people and injuring 12 others.