Overview
ISO 25947-2:2017 - "Fireworks - Categories 1, 2 and 3 - Part 2: Categories and types" establishes a classification system for consumer fireworks. The standard defines four category levels and specifies which articles fall into categories 1, 2 and 3 (very low to medium hazard). It is applicable to consumer fireworks in categories 1–3 and includes rules for theatrical pyrotechnic articles used on stage or in film/TV. Category 4 (high hazard) is addressed separately by other standards (referenced in the document).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Category definitions - Clear descriptions of category 1 (very low hazard, indoor/confined use), category 2 (low hazard, outdoor confined), and category 3 (medium hazard, outdoor open areas).
- Lists of typical articles - Explicit examples of items that fall into category 1 (e.g., hand-held sparklers, fountains, party poppers, novelties, ground spinners) and a list of articles excluded from category 1 (e.g., rockets, roman candles, mines, batteries except popper batteries).
- Decision procedure for new articles - A stepwise yes/no questionnaire to determine category 1 membership. Key test thresholds include:
- Sound pressure: exceeding 120 dB(A) at the safety distance disqualifies category 1.
- Projection: debris, burning or incandescent matter projected beyond the category 1 safety distance disqualifies category 1.
- Movement: parts moving outside the safety distance or the article lifting more than 0.5 m disqualify category 1.
- Appearance: resemblance to toys or food disqualifies category 1.
- Types of fireworks - A comprehensive typology (Table 2) covering batteries, fountains, bangers, rockets, roman candles, mines, sparklers, wheels, combinations, and many sub‑types. Annex A maps these to some national classifications (e.g., China).
Applications and users
ISO 25947-2:2017 is practical for:
- Manufacturers and product designers - classifying new consumer firework designs during development and compliance checks.
- Testing and conformity labs - applying the decision procedure and thresholds when type‑testing or certifying fireworks.
- Regulators, importers and retailers - determining permitted sales channels and labeling requirements by category.
- Event organizers and safety officers - selecting appropriate firework types for venues and crowd sizes.
- Customs and enforcement agencies - identifying misclassified or hazardous consumer fireworks.
Related standards
- ISO 25947-1 - Terminology for fireworks (normative).
- ISO 25947-3 - Minimum labelling requirements (normative reference).
- ISO 25947-5:2017 - Requirements for construction and performance (normative reference).
- Annex A of ISO 25947-2 maps certain national generic types (e.g., China) to the ISO typology.
Keywords: ISO 25947-2:2017, fireworks categories, types of fireworks, consumer fireworks safety, fireworks classification, firework standards.
