Inspections of retail outlets will be conducted by the Department of Industry and Trade along with the Department of Mineral Resources this festive season.

This is being done to ensure compliance with all relevant requirements on the sale of fireworks.

Fireworks have been declared dangerous under the Trade Standards and Quality Control Decree 1992.

As such, there is a selective ban on the use of fireworks since 2004.

This selective ban was placed pursuant to Section 32 of the Trade Standards and Quality Control Decree 1992, outlining a list of permitted and non-permitted fireworks that can be supplied and manufactured in Fiji.

Furthermore, in 2005, the Trade Standards (Shop goods Fireworks Labeling Standard) Order 2005 came into effect, which provides mandatory labeling requirements.

The Standard requires that all fireworks sold are labeled with warning, instruction of use and description of principal effects of the fireworks.

Any trader found in breach of any of the laws can face prosecution and fines of up to $25,000 and/or imprisonment of not exceeding 3 years and on spot fines of $2000 for any breach of the selective ban and the labeling requirements.

Additionally, pursuant to the Explosives Act 1978, administered by the Mineral Resources Department, traders are required to obtain a licence to import, store and deal in fireworks and a permit to possess fireworks.

They are also required to have a valid National Fire Authority Certificate, which is one of the requirements prior to issue of the license by the Mineral Resources Department.

The public is also requested to adhere to the time limitation that is in place, which is 5pm to 10pm daily and 5pm to midnight on Diwali day only.

In accordance with Mineral Resources Department laws, children under the age of 18 years are not permitted to purchase fireworks.

Children have also been advised to use fireworks under adult supervision as per instructions provided.

The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism would like to remind the public on the safe and proper use of fireworks as we approach the 2015 festive season.

Consumers and retailers are urged to act responsibly when selling or purchasing fireworks.

Fireworks are explosives not toys and should be handled responsibly and with caution.