Save Our Fireworks

In the most recent podcast of the   Fireworks Brigade , Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker talked with Secretary of National Fireworks Association Steve Houser following a day of meetings with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)  to propose a compromise that would eliminate the ear test and the powdered metals portions of the proposed regulation and move to using pyrotechnic composition weight limits.  Here is a summary of what the NFA proposed: ·        Eliminate the metals provision from proposed regulation.  Last year, NFA commissioned a third-party test by a DOT-certified explosives lab that showed a burst charge with an allowance of up to 12.5 percent powdered metals would generate less energy than a burst charge created with hybrid powders that already exist and would be compliant under the proposed CPSC regulation of zero powdered metal. This test showed focusing on powdered metals is an incorrect way to measure s...

WASHINGTON –  The National Fireworks Association (NFA) board yesterday met with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Commissioners and staff to present the solution that industry should and must support to safeguard consumer fireworks and their safety. The NFA advocated eliminating the powdered metals ban provision of the CPSC’s proposed regulation and the “ear test” by focusing on pyrotechnic composition weight and other recommendations proposed by the CPSC to determine regulatory compliance.    Pyrotechnic composition weight is a proven and scientific method that can be easily measured and consistently applied to consumer fireworks.  This proposal has been widely accepted by consumer fireworks industry stakeholders and will remain a constant while news technologies emerge, and industry innovates its products.  “We want to thank the Commissioners and their staff for taking the time to meet with NFA. After years of advocacy, we believe this is ...

From this today's POLITICO Morning Trade Newsletter: " And the Fourth of July (for now) : The list of items that got a temporary reprieve include fireworks, eliciting a cheer from the National Fireworks Association. 'Fireworks importers, distributors, and retailers are small family-run businesses who operate seasonally and can’t afford any costs of doing business,' said the group’s secretary, Steve Houser. "Two major fireworks companies, Fireworks by Grucci and Phantom Fireworks, teamed up last month to donate $750,000 worth of services and material for Trump’s July 4th 'Salute to America' show on the National Mall. 'Our hope is the President finally excludes fireworks from tariffs altogether. It’s not right to ask Americans to pay a boom tax when we celebrate our Nation’s birthday,' Houser said." To read the full report from POLITICO please click here

WASHINGTON –  National Fireworks Association (NFA) Secretary Steve Houser today released the following statement after months of successful advocacy to the Administration and specifically the National Council of Economic Advisors that saw President Trump delay additional tariffs on Chinese imports:  “This is welcomed news. The wage and regulatory environment make it impossible to manufacture fireworks in the United States; so, China remains the only source for importers. “Fireworks importers, distributors, and retailers are small family-run businesses who operate seasonally and can’t afford any costs of doing business. The roadside stands and tents where people buy them are run by nonprofit organizations like churches, veterans’ organizations and school groups that can’t afford and don’t deserve a tax on their primary method of fundraising. “Our hope is the President finally excludes fireworks from tariffs altogether.  It’s not right to ask Americans to...

WASHINGTON –   National Fireworks Association (NFA) Secretary Steve Houser today released the following statement after President Trump announced he’s proposing 10% tariffs beginning September 1 on $300 billion worth of Chinese imports: “It’s unfortunate that the President has chosen to go this route again. It’s unfortunate for the small family businesses who import and distribute fireworks. It’s unfortunate for the nonprofit organizations like Veteran’s groups, school boosters and churches who sell them.   “The President himself has   tweeted in the past that tariffs are taxation . They are; and American’s don’t need a boom tax on their fireworks. Unless the President proposes to radically change the wage and regulatory environment, China will remain the source for 95% of our nation’s   consumer fireworks.  We simply have no other option.   This will force us to simply suffer under another tax.” About NFA : The  National Fireworks Assoc...