Fines a warning for fireworks importers

Media release
10 September 2013

Fines a warning for fireworks importers

With Guy Fawkes Day less than two months away, fireworks importers are being reminded they must have products tested and approved before passing them on to retailers.

Yesterday in the Manukau District Court importer Grand Finale Limited was fined $20,900 for supplying fireworks to a retailer in November last year without obtaining the required test certificates. The company was also fined $2000 for failing to comply with an order not to supply fireworks to retailers until the certificates were obtained.

The charges under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 were brought by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

“This company sold unapproved fireworks to a retailer and the potential outcome could have been injury to an innocent member of the public,” Auckland North Assessment Manager James Angus said.

“Grand Finale Ltd compounded its failings by then not abiding by a compliance order from a HSNO Enforcement Officer not to sell the products on to a retailer until the approvals were in place.

“The purchasing public have a right to expect that everyone’s followed the rules to ensure the fireworks have been tested for safety.

“Retailers also have responsibilities here – it is up to them to ensure that the fireworks they obtain from importers have the required approvals before they sell them,” Mr Angus said.

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