Explosives Industry Group

The Explosives Industry Group (EIG) of the CBI deplores the irresponsible reporting of the arrival of a consignment of fireworks at Felixstowe docks.

In the present climate of heightened security awareness, it is extremely irresponsible for information legitimately derived by Local and National Government for monitoring purposes (and which may include commercially confidential information) to be leaked and subsequently publicised identifying imports of fireworks (which are treated properly as Class 1 explosives under Internationally agreed Conventions and Regulations) at Felixstowe Docks.

Fireworks have been transported internationally in ISO containers throughout the World and this means of transport has an excellent safety record. Movement of fireworks in ISO containers is an internationally recognised means of transport and procedures are in place both in the UK and Internationally to determine and document the hazards that may be posed by this mode of transport.

It is simply inaccurate to state that the hazards posed by these fireworks "can cause the same damage as some military bombs and artillery shells".

The EIG, of course, understands the sensitivities following the incident in Sussex last year, but considers it inappropriate and irrelevant to publicise the importing of fireworks in the way that has been reported, especially since the investigation into the incident is not complete and that no conclusions have been made public.

EIG represents the majority of the UK explosives industry including the major firework manufacturers and importers .

For further information please contact:-

Brig Charles Smith
General Secretary – EIG
Tel 0207 395 8063
http://www.eig.org.uk

Dr Tom Smith
Chairman – EIG Pyrotechnic Group
Tel: 01480 860124