Save Our Fireworks

On July 1, 2019, Congressmen Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) and Tim Burchett (R-TN) wrote a letter to Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Acting Chairwoman Ann Marie Buerkle about their concerns of the agency’s proposed rulemaking around fireworks and their concerns that it will have on small businesses.

We hope that everyone had a safe Fourth, have had a few days off and are ready to return to the task of the CPSC and the proposed fireworks rule change. We don’t want to start with bad news, so let’s start with the good.  It seems that we were successful in pushing back the #BoomTax . On July 1 st , after President Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit, the President agreed to not implement the tariffs on $300 billion worth of Chinese imports that included fireworks - for now. That’s great news for our industry and our customers who won’t face the burden of figuring out how these tariffs effect their inventory, and the end user who won’t face the possibility of higher prices on products. It’s a short-term win, and maybe a long-term victory for everyone! Now, the not so good news. We still face the prospect of  rulemaking  from the Consumer Produc...

From the Washington Times : Mr. Houser of the National Fireworks Association said he heard the news about the postponement of tariffs after a meeting between Mr. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping while he was sitting in his office at 1 a.m. last week.   “I’m very happy to see that at this point it has been delayed because at the end of the whole discussion, I have nowhere else to go as a fireworks importer,” he said.  Mr. Houser said he talked with many fireworks retailers and vendors across the country leading up to July 1. He said they asked him whether they should raise the prices of their fireworks because of the trade tensions and potential tariffs. Mr. Houser said his prices did not rise this year because of the potential tariffs, but he told retailers that might not be the case next year.  “If the tariff actually happens, then you can rest assured that come next time around, and even this fall, there will be a price change to reflect the ...

WASHINGTON –  National Fireworks Association Secretary Steve Houser released the following statement upon hearing President Trump has re-opened trade negotiations with China:  “I’m pleased the President has recognized the devastating consequences a boom tax would have on such a seasonal industry such as fireworks. It’s even better for the millions of Americans who will be celebrating our nation’s birthday this week in backyards and block parties across the country.  “However, that doesn’t mean that consumers won’t have their fireworks eventually affected. The Trump Administration, under the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is currently considering a regulatory action that would severely alter the performance of the fireworks American consumers have come to know and love. This rule would make them less colorful, less enjoyable and potentially less safe.  “In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) independently analyzed, c...

    N. Sioux City, SD -  Association (NFA) President Don Lantis at Lantis Fireworks in North Sioux City, South Dakota.  “I was pleased to have Congressman Johnson here at Lantis Fireworks,” said the NFA President. “He understands the regulatory challenges facing our industry and is committed to being a voice for small family-run fireworks businesses.” During the visit, Lantis talked with Johnson about the proposed rule from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that would limit the amount of powdered metal in the burst charge of aerial fireworks that would dramatically alter their performance and potentially make them less safe. Congressman Johnson and Lantis also talked about the proposed 25% tariffs on Chinese imports that would affect consumer fireworks. Lantis pressed the NFA’s position that the tariff is really a “boom tax” and would severely hurt the industry.  “Fireworks serve as a symbol of celebration for our nation’s indepen...

WASHINGTON –  The National Fireworks Association (NFA), the leading trade association representing the consumer fireworks industry is releasing its annual list of safety guidelines for consumers purchasing fireworks ahead of Independence Day next week.  “The NFA wants to wish everyone a happy and joyous Independence Day,”  said Steve Houser, Secretary of the National Fireworks Association.  “It’s important to remember the two best ways to stay safe is to use fireworks as directed and always have a designated shooter.” The NFA offer these safety tips to consumers who are using fireworks this year to celebrate the Fourth of July.  Ø   Only purchase fireworks from licensed fireworks dealers. Never from someone on the street corner. Ø   Carefully read all safety instructions on the fireworks label and follow the instructions exactly. Ø   Never try to relight a dud firework.  Ø   Obey all laws including local regarding whe...

“Imposing tariffs on these products at any amount will cause harm not only to the network of U.S. retailers and distributors who supply fireworks, but also consumers who enjoy them,” wrote Nancy Blogin, executive director of the Kansas City-based National Fireworks Association. The association  held its annual convention in Wichita  last year. According to the association, fireworks have not been manufactured in mass quantities in the United States since the early 1990s, because the process is labor-intensive and highly regulated here. To read the full article, please click here . Read more here: https://www.kansas.com/news/local/article231680058.html#storylink=cpy