CE Certification for Pyrotechnic Products

World-Class Expertise in Services for Pyrotechnics

We provide expertise, testing, and certification services in the highly specific field of pyrotechnics. Our certification is based on standards approved in the European Union.

We are an international notified body for conformity certification of pyrotechnics and are actively involved with all other relevant notified bodies in the European Community. The CE 0336 mark on products we certify is well known all over the world and is accepted in the member states of the EU.

The focus of pyrotechnical products covers all categories of entertainment, theater, and technical pyrotechnical products. Our experts are internationally qualified. We co-operate with colleagues around the globe to offer the best service to our clients around the globe.

We can also service additional inquiries from manufacturers, distributors, and importers who intend to sell their products in the European Union.

Benefits at a Glance

With TÜV Rheinland as your partner for all aspects of pyrotechnics certification, you:

  • Rely on our clear communication of testing definitions before the actual testing cycle
  • Benefit from expert advice and consulting, due to our long-standing experience in working with customers on supply chain-based approaches
  • Can also be issued a certificate of evaluation of conformity for pyrotechnics
  • Count on our experience as an authorized certification body that works locally in a global market – something no other notified body can do

CE Certification Process

The CE certification process consists of two steps:

  1. Conformity assessment (Module B; EC type examination)
  2. Assessment to assure that the product can be manufactured with the same properties as assessed in the type examination (Module C, D, or E)

Type examination is aimed at assessing whether an article meets the Essential Safety Requirements (ESRs) of the Directive. This assessment is done by a Notified Body, in this case, TÜV Rheinland Nederland BV, which was notified in August 2010 with the European Commission by the Netherlands Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and Environment. The European standard EN 15947 Parts 1 to 5 are used for the type examination.

Once type examination has proven that the article meets the ESRs, the manufacturer must be certified as capable of manufacturing products with the same (safety) properties as those established in the type test. This can be done in several ways:

  • Module C: Conformity to type. Examination of the product at random intervals and batch testing as described in EN 15947.
  • Module D: Production quality assurance. The manufacturer, or importer if the manufacturer is not established in the European Community, operates an approved quality system for production, final product inspection, and testing as specified in the Directive. The notified body shall do the monitoring.
  • Module E: Product Quality Assurance. The manufacturer, or importer if the manufacturer is not established in the European Community, operates an approved quality system for final product inspection and testing as specified in the Directive. The notified body shall do the monitoring.

The manufacturer/importer and the notified body will agree on whether to choose module C, D, or E.

Background Information

The European Union drafted a directive (2007/23/EC) to guarantee the free trade of pyrotechnic articles in the internal European market. The directive aims to safeguard human health and the safety and protection of the consumer and professional end user. Pyrotechnic articles listed in the directive include:

  • Fireworks
  • Pyrotechnic articles for theatrical use and special effects
  • Pyrotechnic articles used for technical purposes, like gas generators for air bags and seatbelt pretensioners

Cultural habits and traditions vary to a great degree in the various member states. For that reason, member states can take national measures to prohibit or restrict possession, use and/or sale of certain categories of fireworks to consumers on grounds of public order, security or safety, or environmental protection.

Publication of the directive in July 2007 marked the start of the transitional period. The directive prescribes that – after the transitional period – all pyrotechnic articles must bear a CE marking to indicate that the Essential Safety Requirements of the Directive have been met (conformity assessment). This means that category 1, 2, and 3 fireworks all need a CE marking by July 2010, unless national authorizations were granted before July 2010 for the relevant firework articles.

When a category 1 article bears a CE marking, the member states shall not prohibit or restrict trade of these products. For category 2 and 3 fireworks, additional national stipulations may apply.